Montreux

Switzerland

By Julia Revitt Photography

October 14^th, 2014

Montreux lies on the shores of Lac Leman, a large, blue, 7975 square kilometre lake with the French/Swiss border running through the middle. It's one of my favourite places to visit in the world - great coffee, great people, great weather and stunning scenery!

Montreux has hosted a Jazz Festival every year since 1967 and it's musical influences can be seen throughout the town. There is a magnificent park full of statues of famous jazz musicians and a massive Freddie Mercury statue that dominates the promenade along the waterfront. Shop displays often have a musical theme with guitars and keyboards on display along with the haute couture and expensive watches.

Montreux is a cosmopolitan mix of Swiss efficiency and touristic chaos. The steam boats run to a tight schedule, full of both visitors and commuters. Shops are a mixture of panini vendors, Swiss army knives, high end watch sellers and everything in between. Many hotels are on the luxury end of the scale and frequently have a Ferrari or Lamborghini parked outside waiting to be valet parked.

The cafes along the lakefront offer great coffee and stunning views to relax in the sun with. Ice cream, beer and wine are in abundance and cater for all tastes. Personally, I love to sip a strong cappuccino in the sunshine whilst watching everyone wander along the promenade which encircles most of the lake. You see all sorts of people whilst sitting there - from rollerbladers to the mega rich, families and the fashionista, Monteux seems to welcome everyone.

I love to explore the winding alleys and back roads. Montreux is built on the foothills of the Vaud canton and there are numerous stairs and escalators to help you negotiate the assent and descents. Alleys reveal coffee shops, train stations, exclusive anonymous buildings and are great to wander around on a hot afternoon once fuelled by caffeine!

Montreux is blessed with good weather thanks to a micro-climate provided by its idyllic lakeside setting, nestled between the high alps to the south and the lower Jura to its north. I frequently visit Montreux when it's cold and wet in the mountain resorts of the Portes du Soleil, dropping out of the cloud and into the warm sunshine. Sun hats and flip-flops are more useful than umbrellas and coats!

I think I could happily live in Montreux in one of the luxury apartments that overlook the lake. I might have to win the lottery first though as it's not cheap!