Best Places to Live on the Swiss Riviera

Montreux

Montreux is the most internationally recognised destination on the Swiss Riviera — known for the Jazz Festival, the grand hotels and the exceptional natural setting. The town offers the widest range of luxury properties, the most developed international community and the best access to the amenities of the Swiss Riviera. For buyers who want the full Swiss Riviera experience, Montreux is the natural choice.

The elevated residential areas above Montreux — Glion, Chernex, Chamby, Brent — offer exceptional views over the lake and the Alps, with a quieter and more residential character than the lakefront. These areas are popular with families and with residents who value privacy and tranquillity.

Vevey and La Tour-de-Peilz

Vevey is the second-largest town on the Swiss Riviera — with a more local, residential character than Montreux. It is home to Nestlé's global headquarters and to the Chaplin's World museum. Property prices in Vevey are generally lower than in Montreux, making it an attractive alternative for buyers who want the Swiss Riviera lifestyle at a lower price point.

La Tour-de-Peilz, adjacent to Vevey, is a quieter residential commune with a charming old town and a lakefront promenade. It is popular with families and with residents who prefer a more local character.

Villars-sur-Ollon and the mountain resorts

Villars-sur-Ollon, Les Diablerets and Leysin are the main mountain resorts above the Swiss Riviera — accessible within 30 to 45 minutes from Montreux. These resorts offer a different lifestyle from the lakeside towns — focused on skiing in winter and hiking and outdoor activities in summer. Property prices in the mountain resorts are generally lower than on the lakefront.

For buyers who want both the lake and the mountains, the Swiss Riviera offers a unique combination — the ability to live on the lakefront and ski within 30 to 45 minutes. This combination is one of the most compelling aspects of the region for international buyers.

Blonay and Saint-Légier

Blonay and Saint-Légier are residential communes above Montreux and Vevey — offering a quieter, more rural character than the lakeside towns, with excellent views over the lake and easy access to the amenities of both Montreux and Vevey. Property prices are generally lower than in Montreux, and the supply of larger family houses is better.

These communes are popular with families who want more space and a quieter environment than the lakefront towns, while remaining within easy reach of international schools, shops and transport connections.

Key points

• Montreux: most cosmopolitan; widest luxury property range; best international community
• Glion/Chernex/Chamby: elevated areas above Montreux; exceptional views; quieter character
• Vevey/La Tour-de-Peilz: more local character; lower prices; good value for Swiss Riviera lifestyle
• Villars/Les Diablerets/Leysin: mountain resorts 30–45 min; skiing + outdoor lifestyle
• Blonay/Saint-Légier: residential communes; more space; lower prices; family-friendly