Living in Montreux

The rhythm of daily life

Life in Montreux moves at a pace that is both stimulating and relaxed. The town is compact enough to navigate on foot or by bicycle — the lakefront promenade, the market, the shops and the restaurants are all within easy reach of the main residential areas. Yet Montreux is also well-connected to the wider world: Geneva is one hour by train, Zurich two hours, and the international airports of Geneva and Zurich are accessible within 90 minutes.

The local market (marché) on the lakefront is a weekly highlight — fresh produce, local cheeses, flowers and seasonal specialities from the surrounding region. The Migros and Coop supermarkets in the town centre cover everyday needs; specialist food shops, wine merchants and delicatessens cater to more discerning tastes.

The international community

Montreux has a large and well-established international community — executives, entrepreneurs, artists, academics and retirees from across the world who have chosen the Swiss Riviera as their home. English is widely spoken in the international community and in many businesses, hotels and restaurants. French is the language of daily life and of the local community.

The international community in Montreux is served by a range of organisations and associations — from international schools and sports clubs to cultural associations and professional networks. New residents quickly find their footing in the community through these networks.

Shopping and services

Montreux has a good range of shops and services for a town of its size — from the main shopping street (Grand-Rue) to the Montreux-Riviera shopping centre. For luxury goods, fashion and specialist shopping, Lausanne (30 minutes by train) and Geneva (1 hour) offer a full range of international brands and boutiques.

Professional services — lawyers, tax advisers, financial planners, architects, interior designers — are well-represented in the Montreux and Lausanne area. The region has a long tradition of serving an international clientele, and most professional service providers are experienced in working with foreign residents.

Safety and security

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world — and Montreux reflects this. Crime rates are very low, the streets are safe at all hours and the quality of public order is high. For families with children, the safety of the environment is one of the most valued aspects of life in Montreux.

Switzerland's political stability — its long tradition of neutrality, its robust institutions and its consensus-based political system — provides a secure backdrop for residents and property owners. The Swiss franc is one of the world's most stable currencies, and Switzerland's legal system provides strong protection for property rights and personal privacy.

Key points

• Compact, walkable town; Geneva 1 hour, Zurich 2 hours by train
• Large international community; English widely spoken; French the language of daily life
• Weekly lakefront market; Migros/Coop for everyday needs; specialist shops available
• Luxury shopping: Lausanne (30 min) and Geneva (1 hour) for international brands
• One of the safest environments in the world; very low crime rates