Lakefront Promenade

The lakefront promenade from the town centre south to Château de Chillon is three kilometres of one of Europe's most pleasant waterside walks. The path runs between the lake and the hillside gardens, lined with palm trees and seasonal flower beds, past the Freddie Mercury statue, the Casino, and a series of grand 19th-century hotels. The Alps rise directly across the water on the French side.

The full walk to Chillon takes about 45 minutes at a gentle pace. There are benches at every turn and several cafes along the route. In summer, boat trips on the lake depart from the main pier — the Belle Epoque paddle steamers operated by CGN are particularly good for reaching Lausanne or Geneva in style. In the evenings, the promenade is where the town comes to walk, and the views of the illuminated castle reflected in the lake are excellent.

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The palm trees on the Montreux promenade are not a recent addition — they were planted in the 19th century when Montreux was establishing itself as a resort for wealthy northern Europeans who wanted a milder climate. The microclimate is real: Montreux's position on the north shore of Lake Geneva, sheltered by the mountains to the north and east, means it is reliably a few degrees warmer than Geneva or Lausanne. The palms thrive, and so do the fig trees, magnolias, and cypress that fill the gardens along the shore.

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