Best things to do in Montreux

Dedicated to an iconic music star and long-time resident of Montreux, Freddie Mercury Statue occupies a prominent position on the city's lakefront. Designed by Czech sculptor Irena Sedlecka, the monumental statue is almost 3 m (10 ft) tall, depicting the singer in one of his trademark stage poses. Unveiled in 1996 in the presence of Mercury's former bandmates, the statue remains one of the city's major tourist draws. Bring your camera and snap a photo or two with Freddie.

Take a scenic walk along Montreux Lakeside, which hugs the bank of Lake Geneva. The lakeside path extends from Vevey to Villeneuve. An easy walk, the trail impresses with views across the lake to Chillon Castle. Follow the path long enough and you'll find yourself at the 11th-century castle. Notice animal sculptures created out of leaves and flowers that line the path. If there's time, take a minute to feed the swans at the lake.

For us, travelling in the Lavaux or Chablais wine region, travelling anywhere, is very personal. It is about meeting the right people, knowing where to go, having the right contacts; but it is also about exploring the new and exciting, discovering brilliant wine producers and tasting their wines, the best local restaurants, the most beautiful or unexpected corner. And it is about sharing this with others. With you!

Whatever the case, Swiss Riviera Wine Tours welcome you.

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Looking just like an illustration from a book of fairy tales, Chateau de Chillon sits on the eastern end of Switzerland's largest lake. Made famous by the poet Lord Byron, who used it as a setting in one of his well-known works, the 13th-century castle ranks among the country's most visited historic monuments. For a sense of the its medieval past, take a guided tour through the courtyards, towers, dungeons, and grand halls, packed with period furniture and artwork. Although many visitors choose to take the bus or even walk here from the nearby town of Monteux, you can also reach the castle by hopping on one of the lake's many guided boat excursions.

Discover the history of the Olympic movement at The Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique), an interactive venue packed with engaging and informative exhibits. Founded in 1993, the museum uses audio-visual displays and themed galleries to attract nearly 250,000 sports and history buffs each year. Start your tour at the galleries dedicated to the history of the ancient Games and their modern rebirth, featuring torches used in various opening ceremonies. As you move through the galleries, use individual viewing stations to explore thousands of video clips documenting major moments in sports history. Finish your visit at the museum park, which contains a collection of sports-themed sculptures by artists Jean Tinguely, Fernando Botero, and many others.

A mountain overlooking Lake Geneva, Rochers-de-Naye straddles the range separating the lake from the valley of the Sarine. Even at 2,042 m (6,699 ft) tall, the summit is easily reachable from Montreux. You can board a train to the summit station, which climbs as high as 1,968 m (6,457 ft), and then finish the ascent on foot. Or, start from Col de Jaman and complete the two- or three-hour hike to the peak. At the top, take time to look into a fenced-off marmot habitat to catch a glimpse of the mountain creatures.

To see an exquisite example of Gothic architecture, head to Cathedrale de Lausanne in the heart of the city's medieval Old Town. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, the building replaced an earlier and much more modest church structure. Thanks to constant conservation efforts and a few careful restorations, the building appears today just as it did upon its completion in 1235. Step inside to see the world-famous organ, which took nearly a decade to design and consists of 7,000 pipes. Take a guided tour to learn more about the cathedral's architecture and history, and climb the tower for sweeping views over the city and its lake.

Embark on a magical journey through Chaplin's World and prepare to be touched by art and private life of the famous comedian and genius of filmmaking. This former country estate, where the artist spent the last 25 years of his life, opened to public in 2016. Perched on a sunny plateau overlooking Lake Leman and the Alps, the historic mansion and the surrounding park have been completed with an exhibit wing and a Hollywood-style studio. Walk through the well-known scenes from Chaplin's movies replicated in original scale and wax replicas of the artist's iconic characters.