Montreux Jazz Festival: music on the shores of Lake Geneva

For two weeks every summer, Montreux hosts one of the most famous music festivals in the world. Concerts in the halls are joined by free stages, bars and food stands along the lakeside promenade.

Fun facts

• The festival was founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs.
• Despite its name, it presents many styles, from jazz and blues to rock, soul and pop.
• Deep Purple's song Smoke on the Water was inspired by a fire at the Montreux Casino in 1971.

What to see

• The statue of Freddie Mercury on the lakeside.
• Chillon Castle, a medieval castle standing on the lake.
• The Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to taste

• Perch fillets from Lake Geneva.
• Cheese fondue or raclette.
• White wine from the Lavaux terraces.

What to do

• Enjoy the free concerts and atmosphere along the promenade.
• Walk the lakeside path from Montreux to Chillon Castle.
• Take the train up to Rochers-de-Naye for views of the Alps.

💡 Tip: Direct trains run from Geneva Airport to Montreux in about an hour. Switzerland is expensive and Montreux is small, so book concert tickets and accommodation early or stay in a nearby town.