Montreux is called "The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera" for its beautiful location at the north-east shore of Lake Geneva in the Canton of Vaud in the south-western part of Switzerland. Enhanced by a superb background of the majestic Alpine scenery the town of 20,000 inhabitants has charmed famous people like Jean-Jaques Rousseau, Lord Byron or Victor Hugo. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate the spa town Montreux is regarded to be one of noblest resorts in Switzerland. Besides the historic architecture, the picturesque lanes, historical sights and exclusive shopping facilities Montreux's attractiveness has grown by its numerous international festivals such as the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, the Comedy Felim Festival and the Classical Music Festival, which follow each other throughout the year.

In the very first beginning Montreux was an assembly of villages with some of them dating back to the Roman times. At the end of the Middle Ages the owner of Montreux, Girard d'Oron, gave the land to the Savoyards. Their reign lasted over 200 years until in 1536 the Bernese army came and imposed the Reformation and a new master. Freedom and independence was gained again with the Vaudois revolution in 1798.

Montreux profits of a very mild climate due to the natural microclimate regulation of the lake and the surrounding hills covered with woods. It enjoys the warm humid winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, which creates a Mediterranean-like weather in summer and makes for not too harsh winters. The temperature is at an average of 28°C in summer and 10°C annual average.

Montreux can be reached directly from Geneva Airport in app. 55 minutes. Train connections by TGV from Paris, by Pendolino from Milan and Intercity from Frankfurt or Munich via Lausanne. Distance: from Geneva 75 km; from Berne 95 km.

Near Montreux, in a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Erected in the 13th century on older foundations, the Castle of Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. Originally a fortress, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations with a view to its adaptation to the advances in the defensive and offensive weapons of the age. Other modifications were occasioned by amenities and embellishments suited to the pomp and ceremony of life in the castle. Many prominent figures in history stayed there: emperors, popes and princesses.

On the shores of Lake Geneva, strollers on the sunny quays watch the activity in the harbor, or admire the graceful white passenger boats plying their leisurely journeys between the French and Swiss shores of the lake, relax with a cool drink on the terrace of one of the many cafés near the lake and discover the joy of watersports in summer.

A typical wine village, terraced in the vineyards of Lavaux, adds to the charm of Montreux and Vevey. Tasting the famous local wines in the village cellars is an old tradition of this region. Local specialties include fresh perch from the lake and local wines such as the light dry whites "St-Saphorin" or "Epesses".

The magical lakeshore chateau, which was built in the 13th century, hosts the Swiss Museum of Games, a permanent exhibition featuring the games cultures of all the continents of the world from Roman times to the present day.

Built in 1441 during the Burgundy Wars by Jean de Gingins, the castle has, over the centuries, become a key focus of local wine production.

This 13th-century chateau was built by the Bishops of Lausanne. It was later used as a prison by the Bernes, and even as a venue for witchcraft trials.

The "Train des Vignes" is an excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this winegrowing region. The train takes its passengers on a leisurely eight-km/ five-miles journey up through the retraced vineyards, with fabulous views of the lake, the Rhone Valley and the Alps.

Experience the highlights of the Games and share the athletes' emotions. At Lausanne's Olympic Museum, you can experience all the great moments of the Olympic Games as if you were really there, thanks to advanced audiovisual, data processing and robotic technology. Unique, lively and interactive. Thousands of documents and films bear witness to the times and achievements of people like Carl Lewis or Jesse Owens. Situated at the "Quai d'Ouchy 1" in the nearby Lausanne.