meet me in Montreux
I grew up listening to the music of Deep Purple, and the song “Smoke on the Water” resonated through my head when I heard I was going to Montreux, the charming Swiss city on the Lake Geneva shoreline.
It seemed appropriate that my first day in Montreux featured a dark, almost smoky sky, as a reminder of the Deep Purple song, “Smoke on the Water.”
musical memories in montreux
Indeed, part of the time I was in the area, there was a lot of fog and mist (which actually added to the charm and mysticism of the vistas), but at the time, it did look like smoke on the water. There really had been a fire back in 1971 when the band had come to record their Machine Head album at the Montreux Casino. And today, you will find a monument commemorating Deep Purple next to the casino–which was reopened in 1975 after having been destroyed by that immortalized fire.
Home to Mountain Studios, Montreux remains a Mecca to the music industry. Rock enthusiasts regularly visit the life-sized monument of Freddie Mercury in Place du Marché overlooking the lake. The day we were there, the grey day was brightened by the bouquets of fresh flowers offered in memory to Mercury by his devoted fans. Freddie Mercury was the front man of the British band Queen and chose to live in Montreux because of its beauty and tranquilty. Queen recorded much of its music in Montreux before Mercury’s untimely death in 1991.
How wonderful it would be to take in the music of the Montreux Jazz Festival. Do you think they’ll invite me?
And for jazz enthusiasts, the Montreux Jazz Festival runs annually in early July. It is second in size only to the Montreal Jazz Fest held in Canada. I can imagine how much fun it would be to find myself in Montreux in July for the Jazz Fest! Music featured at the festival is not exclusively jazz, so lovers of all contemporary world music are bound to find something they enjoy over the two-week run. The 53rd Montreux Jazz Fest is scheduled for June 28-July 13, 2019. How I would love to be there!
I really enjoyed strolling the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Hotel Victoria in Glion, Switzerland.
My cozy room at the Hotel Victoria in Glion, Switzerland had stupendous views of Lake Geneva and the valley.
The view from my room at Hotel Victoria in Glion-sur-Montreux. You can see the walking path and pool in the left of the photo, and the lake runs across the full gamut of the hotel. A truly idyllic setting.
The funicular takes you from Glion down to the city of Montreux and Lake Geneva.
I was hosted for two nights at the beautiful Hotel Victoria, a four-star Relais et Châteaux property located in Glion-sur-Montreux thanks to Alpenwild Swiss Tours. Glion is located at the top of the hill overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva. It is truly a magical setting, with cows grazing in the grass and breathtaking views in every direction. Join me next week for more about Montreux.
imagin music festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Europe, the USA, the UK & Australia. It is an event that features various genres of music, including rock, pop, hip hop, and electronic. There are typically three stages set up at the festival, with each stage featuring different artists throughout the day. Music festival 2022 attracts both local and international visitors and is one of the largest events of its kind in different countries.
Wow . its great I like the second picture. who is that guy?
Hello. The cutline for the photo says, “This life-sized statue of Freddie Mercury (former lead singer of the band Queen) is a tribute to the famous rock star who once lived and recorded his music in Montreux.
we love Montreux I went to school there. The views are amazing.
Hola Maria and thank you for your comment. How lucky you are to have spent time in Montreux. It truly is a lovely destination, and I had far too little time there. I would love to return for the Jazz Fest. Were you there during that time?
What a lovely place and the views are stunning! Montreux seems like a perfect getaway to enjoy music and have a romantic escape.
I was really impressed by Montreux and the whole Montreux Riviera, Alessandra. I hope you get the opportunity to visit.
Montreux is so enchanting. Actually it has to be, considering it is part of the heaven called Switzerland. Blend the beauty of the place with some enchanting music and definitely, the air would be intoxicating.
Right on, Vyjay! Whether you love history, scenery, culture or great food, wine and chocolate, you’ll find it in Montreux!
I’m amazed I had no idea there was a music mecca such as this right in the heart Switzerland!
I love it how the pursuit of chocolate can teach you so much more about the world 🙂
Hi, Chris. Yes, that’s why Chocolatour has turned into a trilogy of three volumes! There is just so much to experience, learn, and share! I am loving being immersed in the world if chocolate travel.
To be honest, I haven’t heard about Montreux before. But it looks beautiful and will definitely add this to my travel bucket list. It does look photogenic too!
Montreux is infinitely photogenic, Abigail. That’s why I’ve had to break my coverage into a stream of posts. There was just so much to share!
What a great post, I loved reading about Montreux and its relation to the music industry. I had no idea. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Nathalie. I didn’t know the extent of the music history in Montreux either. It’s amazing how creative people gravitate to certain communities or cities. Montreux is one of those cities for its magical setting. Stay tuned for the next post!
Wow! Steve is so fortunate to have had those experiences in Montreux! I can’t imagine being in the same pub with Van M, Phil C & BB. That would have blown my mind! Thx for sharing that Montreux memory.
Montreux was one of Steve’s favourite cities when he lived in Europe. He went to the Montreal Jazz festival for 7 straight years. The coolest thing about the Jazz festival was the way famous artists would just show up at different pubs in the city and perform. They had their big concerts too, but you could also see them in person at small venues playing impromptu. The best time was when Phil Collins, BB King, and Van Morrison all ended up at the same pub. They just jammed together and had fun. Nothing was prepared or rehearsed, but it was the best show Steve ever saw. Legends playing for free at a local pub. This was more than a decade ago. I hope they still do that.
I loved my visit to Lake Geneva — it was such a beautiful part of Switzerland! I had just one foggy/rainy day up in the mountains and your photos brought back memories. Thanks!
Thx so much for your comment, Linda. It’s amazing how long it takes to see a small country like Switzerland! I’ve been there 3x now and still have SO much to see. Still haven’t made it to Geneva or Basel. MUST GO BACK …
A wonderful post about Montreux, Swiss.
It seems like a fascinating place, I am not into that kind of music, but the scenery and architecture is breathtaking,
Thanks for sharing this with us.
I would love to get to Montreux one day and your room on the lake at Hotel Victoria looks like a perfect base for exploring the area and tasting some chocolate!
Indeed, Irene. The Hotel Victoria gave me a daily dose of fresh fruit and chocolate and it was lovely!
I’ve not been to Montreux but I can clearly see from your post why that song came to your mind. Such a beautiful mystic place
Doreen the images are breathtaking! Especially the first. The truly a magical setting, with cows grazing in the grass and breathtaking views in every direction made me link to the Bollywood songs shot in Switzerland. Would love to fulfill my Bollywood fantasy some day! Thanks for sharing
Hello Sushmita. I do hope you will have the opportunity to visit Switzerland. It is a country like no other for all the reasons we’ve discussed in the post and the previous comments.
I hope the same! It’s one of the many I want to visit!
Montreux has such a wonderful musical history! We would love to visit during the Jazz Festival. Your view from the hotel looked magnificent. Bookmarking and hoping to visit one day!
I went to the Montreux Jazz festival back in the 80s and loved everything about the area. Thanks for the reminder.
Doreen – I’ve been to Montreux and loved it, even though it was only for one night. My husband and I stayed at the Bon Rivage in La-Tour-de-Peilz when they were setting up for the jazz festival. So we just missed it by a day or two. The hotel you stayed at looked a lot like ours!
Hi Jan: I checked their site and the Bon Rivage in La-Tour-de-Peilz does indeed look like a similarly lovely place. There are so many breath-taking establishments in this area. Stay tuned as we continue to explore it.
You just caused me to add another beautiful and intriguing city to my list of European destinations. Wow to lovely
Hi Rose: The entire “Montreux Riviera” is amazing. Stay tuned for more about that!
I haven’t visited Montreux and always wanted to go for any of the music festivals, looks like such an amazing place.
Hi Noel: Yes, it’s amazing how much you can find out about these smaller cities since you seat digging. the larger cities have the budgets and presence to tell the world about everything they are doing. But the smaller cities have to hope we find them by whatever means possible. I’m thrilled that I discovered the Montreux Riviera. I will definitely be back.
Hi Doreen, Who knew Montreux had such a musical history. And it is quite lovely. Looks worth a visit someday for sure.
I wasn’t aware of the association of Montreux with rock music – or with jazz. It looks like a great place to visit, especially with that funicular going up the hill by the lake.
We visited Montreaux many, many years ago, long before Freddy had passed away! We were driving around the lake as part of our road trip through Switzerland. I always remember how beautiful it was and the fact that a jazz festival was held there. Thanks for the memories Doreen
You’re welcome, Jenny. Thx for stopping by and sharing them with us. I would truly love to visit the Montreux Riviera during the summer months. It was rather cool for my late September visit, but still lovely.
What beautiful photos! I’ve never been to Switzerland but would love to visit it. I didn’t know it was a meccas for jazz. When I think of the Swiss I think of chocolate and skiing!
Hi Jeannette and thx for the compliment. After three visits, I’m learning what a multi-faceted country Switzerland truly is, and how interesting and wide reaching their cultural offerings are. Stay tuned for much more!
Such a beautiful region! Hope to get to the Montreux Jazz Festival. I visited the Lavaux region, also on Lake Geneva, a few years ago. Charming villages and spectacular views from the vineyards.
Hi Linda. Yes, I loved passing the vineyards while on the train. So beautiful throughout that region.
Wonderful images as always Doreen. My two favorites are the statue of Freddie Mercury (BIG fan!) and the view from your room – spectacular!
Thx so much, Marty. Glad you enjoyed the post and pics. Lots more to come!
What great photos! They really capture the charms of this magical place! Your are truly evolving as a gifted photographer!
Just wondering what your camera of choice is? I’m in the market for an upgrade to my old Canon elph point and shoot and would appreciate your input.
Margaret, you are a sweetheart. I take all my pics with my iPhone! Spontaneous and allows for a good dose of creativity. 🙂
Even with the grey weather, Montreux looks lovely! I haven’t been to Switzerland since the 1980’s, but this series of yours is making me want to go back!
Just wait, Rachel! There’s LOTS more on Switzerland to come. I’ll have you packing in no time! 🙂
The photos are fabulous. I almost feel as though I have been there. I’ve always loved “Smoke on the Water” so it’s great to have a visual .
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Oh my husband would love to go to this Jazz Festival, maybe in 2018 since 2017 is already scheduled. Hotel Victoria seems like the place to stay.
Hi Carol: the Hotel Victoria is a lovely place to stay. But be aware that the funicular has limited hours of operation. So if you are attending events like the Jazz Fest in town, you’d have to either have a rental car or take a cab back up the hill at the end of the evening.
We visited Montreaux long ago, pre-Freddie Mercury statue, and I remember it being so beautiful. We were on a tight budget then, but I would love to return and stay at the Hotel Victoria. What an amazing view to wake up to!
It is indeed, Julie. Staying at the Hotel Victoria really enhanced my visit to the Montreux Riviera. Their website has some really beautiful photos of the amazing artwork throughout the hotel.
What a delightful getaway experience it looks like you had! I’ll add this to my ‘some day’ list.
Doreen, the photos you take are always so fantastic they make me feel that I’m missing out by not being there in person.
I’ve read about the beauty of Switzerland and your photos certainly give truth to all I read. As I’ve mentioned before, how very blessed you are to have a job that takes you to places like this.
Keep sharing your trips – they are most enjoyable to me.
Thank you SO much, Lenie. It always makes my day when I read a comment such as yours that lets me know I’m hitting the mark in enticing you with tales of chocolate travels. Much more to come, so do stay tuned, and if you know someone who would equally enjoy the site, please send them my link. 🙂
The views really are breathtaking. Knowing me, I would probably spend all day on the funicular – going up and down to take in the views. Your hotel room looks cosy and non-fussy – sometimes just what one needs.
Interesting that this resort has a connection with the late Freddie Mercury. I can see why he chose to spend time here.
Hi Phoenicia. Yes, it seems that many members of the music community love Montreux. I can certainly see why! It’s setting ignites creativity!
Beautiful musical memories, Doreen! I did not know much if anything about Montreux before. Thank you. 🙂
The setting really does look magical. I love the view from your room.
There’s something really fun about a funicular, isn’t there? And, those beds look super comfortable. Would love to spend some time in Switzerland, only flown out of Geneva and saw nothing but the hotel and the short ride to the airport. A reason to return!
Absolutely, Patti! I’ve not yet been to Geneva, but with 3 Swiss visits under my belt, I’m slowly getting to see all of this magnificent country. 🙂
I enjoyed Montreux as well and feel so fortunate to have been able to visit during the Jazz Festival. The duvet covers on your beds look SO comfortable and what a view! I now wish I had taken that funicular up to Glion!
Lucky you to have experienced the Jazz Fest, Jan. What memorable acts did you see?
Saw a free concert in the park–big band. I was only there for the day. It was great.
I’ve not been to Montreux, but can relate to associating “Smoke on the Water” with Lake Geneva. On the day I drove from Innsbruck to Zurich, it was nearing dusk and the fog was settling in over the water. It was truly magical. I also love that Queen has a connection with Montreux as well. Their music will always be on my list of favorites.
Hi Jeri and thanks for starting the conversation. Yes, I was quite amazed at the musical connections that stem from Montreux! I would LOVE to attend that jazz fest. 🙂