Vaud
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Vaud - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Château de Chillon
One of Switzerland's must-sees is the Château de Chillon, the awe-inspiringly picturesque 12th-century castle that rears out of the water at Veytaux, down the road from and within sight of Montreux. Chillon was built on Roman foundations under the direction of Duke Peter of Savoy with the help of military architects from Plantagenet England. For a long period it served as a state prison, and one of its shackled guests was François Bonivard, who supported the Reformation and enraged the Savoyards. He spent six years in this prison, chained most of the time to a pillar in the dungeon before being released by the Bernese in 1536. While living near Montreux, Lord Byron visited Chillon and was so transported by its atmosphere and by Bonivard's grim sojourn that he was inspired to write his famous poem "The Prisoner of Chillon." Like a true tourist, Byron carved his name on a pillar in Bonivard's still-damp and chilly dungeon; his sgraffito is now protected under a plaque. In high season, you must file placidly from restored chamber to restored turret, often waiting at doorways for entire busloads of fellow visitors to pass. Yet the 19th-century Romantic-era restoration is so evocative and so convincing, with its tapestries, carved fireplaces, period ceramics and pewter, and elaborate wooden ceilings, that even the jaded castle hound may become as carried away as Byron was. While you're waiting your turn, gaze out the narrow windows over the sparkling, lapping water and remember Mark Twain, who thought Bonivard didn't have it half bad. Proceeds from the purchase of a bottle of Clos de Chillon, the white wine from estate vineyards, goes to restoration activities.
21 av. de Chillon, Veytaux, Vaud, 1820, Switzerland021-9668910Sight Details
Rate Includes: SF14 -
2. La Cave Vevey-Montreux
This is the tasting venue of a winegrowers' association producing Vevey-Montreux and Chardonne bottlings. Try the Montreux Entre-Bourgs Chasselas, which has a floral bouquet and a rich mouthfeel.
28 av. Belmont, Montreux, Vaud, 1820, Switzerland021-9631348Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
3. Les Avants
The Montreux–Oberland–Bernois railroad leads to the resort village of Les Avants and then on to Château-d'Oex, Gstaad, and the Simmental. Noël Coward bought his dream home in Les Avants, and Ernest Hemingway wrote to his family and friends of the village's fields of daffodils—and, more in character, of its bobsled track.
Les Avants, Vaud, 1833, Switzerland -
4. Maison Visinand
Montreux's cultural center, the Maison Visinand is housed in a restored mansion in the Old Town. Its calendar of events mixes exhibitions and performances with classes and studios for painting, photography, and dance.
32 rue du Pont, Montreux, Vaud, 1820, Switzerland021-9611133Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
5. Musée de Montreux
Above the train station, a cluster of 17th-century homes once belonging to the town's successful winemakers is now the Musée de Montreux. This historical museum traces regional development from the time when Roman coins were used as tender, focusing on agricultural life and the shift to tourism. Profiles of famous residents and visitors who lived and worked in the area are highlighted. The museum's cellar restaurant, open from 6 pm, is a good place to sample typical local cuisine.
40 rue de la Gare, Montreux, Vaud, 1820, Switzerland021-9631353Sight Details
Rate Includes: SF8, Closed Nov.–Mar. -
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