Montreux on Lake Geneva is known for its exceptionally mild climate, the palm trees along the lakeside promenade and the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival – Europe's largest jazz festival, which transforms the city into a global cultural event every July. The city is terraced on the northern lakeshore with views of the Dents du Midi and the opposite southern shore.

The lakeside promenade from Montreux to Chillon Castle is one of Switzerland's most beautiful waterfront walks. The Freddie Mercury statue on the waterfront – the Queen frontman lived and worked in Montreux – is a popular photo stop. In winter, Montreux enjoys one of the longest sunshine durations in western Switzerland, thanks to its sheltered lakeshore position.

Montreux is reachable by train from Lausanne in around 25 minutes or from Zurich in around 2.5 hours. The Montreux-Bernese Oberland Railway (MOB) runs from Montreux via Gstaad to Zweisimmen. By car, take the A9 motorway.