Château de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

The hidden Soul of Montreux: A Timeless Journey like no other

Step into Montreux’s enchanting past and present on Maryrose’s all-time favorite walking tour that takes you from the town’s musical legacy to its medieval roots. Enjoy the Freddie Mercury statue and Chillon Castle, stroll along the flower-lined lakeside promenade, ride a historic funicular, and wander through Montreux’s old town. Along the way, uncover royal secrets, local legends and hidden spots that only a true insider can reveal.


Highlights

  • 🎤 Statue of Freddie Mercury – A must-see for Queen fans. Stand in front of the iconic statue dedicated to the Queen legend and hear the stories of Freddie’s deep connection to Montreux
  • 🛍️ Covered Market – Step into this historic marketplace that has been at the heart of Montreux for centuries
  • 🎶 Mountain Studio & Queen – The Studio Experience – Step into the legendary recording studio where Queen created some of their greatest albums, now a small yet powerful museum for music lovers
  • 🌺 Montreux Lakeside – Quais Fleuris – Stroll along a flower-lined promenade with breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Geneva
  • 🏰 Château de Chillon (Outside Visit) – See the real-life castle that inspired Disney’s The Little Mermaid and was immortalized by Lord Byron’s poetry
  • 🌹 Parc des Roses & Sissi Statue – Follow in the footsteps of Empress Sissi of Austria, who found peace in this tranquil lakeside park
  • 🚠 Funiculaire Territet-Glion & Rose Trail – Ride one of Switzerland’s oldest funiculars before descending the legendary Sentier des Roses, leading to Montreux
  • ⛪ Temple St-Vincent – Visit Montreux’s oldest church, perched high above the town with stunning panoramic views
  • 🏡 Old Town of Montreux (Les Planches) – Walk through charming narrow streets, discover ancient cellar doors that tell the town’s story, and make a stop in front of the iconic Hôtel Tralala
  • 🎭 Maison Visinand – Discover a beautifully preserved 16th-century house that now serves as a cultural center showcasing local art and heritage
  • 🌿 Garden of Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – End your journey in this verdant town oasis attached to the Belle Époque luxury hotel, with elegant fountains and statues honoring the many celebrities from around the globe who have visited Montreux


Full Description

Discover Montreux beyond the postcards on this immersive walking tour that unveils the town’s rich history, musical legacy, and hidden corners. Starting at Place du Marché, say hello to the Freddie Mercury statue, before stepping inside the legendary Mountain Studio, where Queen recorded their final albums.


Continue along the breathtaking Montreux Lakeside (Quais Fleuris), lined with exotic flowers, palm trees, and Alpine views, before arriving at the spectacular Château de Chillon. You’ll admire its fairytale-like architecture from the outside and learn how it inspired Disney’s «The Little Mermaid».


After your dive into the medieval past, join Maryrose for a scenic ride on one of Switzerland’s oldest funicular railways that takes you steeply from Territet up to Glion. The 8-minute ascent offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Château de Chillon in the distance. You hop off at Collonge station, from where a walk along the legendary Rose Trail (Sentier des Roses) leads you down to Montreux’s historic old town (Les Planches). Maryrose will guide you through its charming narrow streets and vineyards, sharing stories of Montreux’s past that you won’t find in any guidebook.


Before concluding at the garden of the historic Swiss Deluxe Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, where fountains and statues of past Montreux icons await, we’ll pause for a well-deserved break at one of Maryrose’s favorite tea rooms, where you’ll enjoy a café & croissant — just like a true Montreusien

.


Includes

  • Private guided walking tour
  • Public bus & funicular tickets
  • Coffee & croissant at Maryrose’s favorite café
  • Bottled water


Not Included

  • Entry to Château de Chillon (unless extra option is selected)
  • Additional meals and snacks
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide (optional but very much appreciated) 😊

Dates

📅 Available all year round, Monday to Sunday.


Duration

⏳ 3 hours


Price

CHF 350 for a private group of 2 people (includes public bus and funicular ticket, café & croissant, and bottled water)

CHF 20 for each additional person

💡 DISCOUNT: For holders of the Montreux Riviera Card, use of public transport is free – which means a group of 2 people benefits from a 20 CHF reduction on the tour price (= CHF 330)



Extra Option: Château de Chillon Guided Tour

🏰 Upgrade your experience with an exclusive guided tour inside Château de Chillon with a costumed castle guide (not Maryrose).

  • CHF 200 for a private group of 2 (includes entry & guided tour)
  • CHF 15 per additional participant

⏳ Additional time: 1 hour (Tour with Chillon Castle visit = 4 hours total)




Meeting Point and End Location

📍 Meeting Point: Place du Marché (Market), Montreux

📍 End Location: Garden of Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Montreux


Important Information

  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended
  • Weather-appropriate clothing advised (tour operates in all weather conditions)
  • Please, inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance
  • This tour involves moderate walking and is not wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for children aged 6 and older
  • The Montreux Riviera Card is offert to you by your host on arrival (if you are staying in a Montreux accommodation) and gives you free travel on public transport and discounts on many activities

Scroll to Top