Lifestyle in Montreux and the Swiss Riviera

The natural setting

The natural setting of Montreux is one of the most spectacular in Europe. The town sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, at the point where the lake narrows and the Alps close in on both sides. The views from Montreux — across the lake to the French Alps, with the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc visible on clear days — are among the most beautiful in Switzerland.

The mild microclimate of Montreux — created by the shelter of the Alps and the thermal mass of the lake — allows palm trees, magnolias and other Mediterranean plants to grow on the lakefront promenade. The combination of Alpine scenery and Mediterranean vegetation is unique in Switzerland and gives Montreux its distinctive character.

Culture and events

The cultural calendar of Montreux is one of the richest of any town of its size in Europe. The Montreux Jazz Festival — held every July — is one of the world's most prestigious music festivals, attracting the world's leading artists to the lakefront for two weeks of concerts and events. The Christmas market (Marché de Noël) on the lakefront is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.

The surrounding region offers a wealth of cultural attractions — the Château de Chillon (one of Switzerland's most visited monuments), the Chaplin's World museum in Corsier-sur-Vevey, the Fondation de l'Hermitage in Lausanne and the Musée de l'Elysée (photography museum). The Lavaux vineyards — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are a 20-minute drive from Montreux.

Outdoor activities

The natural setting of Montreux provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. In summer: swimming in Lake Geneva, sailing, hiking in the pre-Alps, cycling through the Lavaux vineyards. In winter: skiing at Villars-sur-Ollon, Les Diablerets and Leysin (30 to 45 minutes from Montreux), snowshoeing and ice skating.

The Montreux-Rochers-de-Naye rack railway takes residents from the lakefront to an altitude of 2,042 metres in 55 minutes — offering panoramic views over the lake and the Alps, and access to hiking trails and a marmot colony. The journey itself is one of the most spectacular in Switzerland.

The Swiss Riviera community

The Swiss Riviera has a well-established and welcoming international community — executives, entrepreneurs, artists, academics and retirees from across the world who have chosen the region as their home. The community is diverse and cosmopolitan, yet also deeply rooted in the local Swiss culture and traditions.

For new residents, integration into the Swiss Riviera community is facilitated by the wide range of associations, clubs and organisations that bring residents together — from sports clubs and cultural associations to professional networks and charitable organisations. The Jazz Festival, the wine harvest and the Christmas market are annual occasions that bring the whole community together.

Key points

• Natural setting: Lake Geneva, Alps, Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc — one of Europe's most spectacular
• Mild microclimate: palm trees on lakefront; Mediterranean vegetation alongside Alpine scenery
• Jazz Festival (July): world-class; Christmas market: one of Switzerland's most beautiful
• Outdoor activities: lake swimming, sailing, hiking, skiing (30–45 min), Rochers-de-Naye rack railway
• Welcoming international community; rich calendar of events; deep local roots