Nature & Culture

Stroll through the historic town of Villeneuve, a charming little spot at the end of the lake. Out on the lake you can spot intriguing Peilz island and its massive plane tree. To this very day historians remain puzzled by its mysterious origins.

After a few minutes on foot, you will reach the entrance to the Grangettes Nature Reserve. A place of recognized global importance, this protected area is home to a multitude of birds, butterflies and mammals that can be easily seen.

Return to Villeneuve to take the 201 bus. Destination: Veytaux-Chillon stop. On your left is Chillon Castle, Switzerland’s most visited historic building. On your right is Chillon Fort, a former Swiss military site classified as a “defense secret” until 2001. From Villeneuve’s peaceful shores to Montreux’s elegant quays, via Chillon Castle, this excursion takes you on an exploration of some of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Walk in the direction of “Territet gare” along the lake, or take bus route 201. Tucked away behind the railway station, beside the mountain, a steep cable railway takes you to Glion. But the excursion in fact continues from the intermediate stop at Collonges (don’t forget to press the Stop button).

A spectacular panorama awaits you along the Rose Trail. The Austrian Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi as she was known, frequented this area (she stayed in Territet and Caux) and several times walked up and down this quiet path, which leads towards Montreux Old Town.

Welcome to the historic quarter of Planches, where a nice selection of popular restaurants can be found amongst its paved streets and old stone buildings: Café du Grütli, Restaurant du Pont, Caveau des Vignerons, All’Angolo… Whatever grabs you at the time!

Accompanied by a guide and an audio guide, follow in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury in Montreux on either the Freddie Tour (1.30 pm) or the Extended Freddie Tour (5.30 pm), a fascinating insight into the artist’s life and work. Booking essential.