Basic info for the day
- Morning - in the past 50 years Montreux has made its name as a venue for world musical events so we start the day with Dave's exclusive Montreux Music Walk.
- Afterwards take a local bus to the 12th-century Castle of Chillon which was the inspiration for works by Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, JJ Rousseau and so many others. Explore this fascinating medieval castle on your own (or with the aid of a self-guided audio-tour).
- There is also time to visit the "Musée Fort de Chillon", the war-time bunker over the road from Chateau Chillon.
- Afternoon - return when you like to Montreux; the rest of the day and evening is now yours to do your thing - wander through the stalls of the Marché de Noel, sip 'vin chaud' (Glühwein) and enjoy a fondue or tasting the seasonal foods on offer, or you can simply relax at the hotel.
- There is no group dinner tonight to give you a free evening to try out different foods from the Christmas market stalls, or eat at a local restaurant.
Chateau of Chillon
For centuries the Chateau de Chillon was the seat of the Counts of Savoy; it has turrets, a dungeon, grand reception rooms and even medieval toilets.
In its current state, the Castle is the result of several centuries of constant building, adaptations, renovations and restorations. The earliest part was built on a rock in the lake in the 11th century. Its original purpose was to serve as a “toll booth" for the road over the Grand St Bernard pass to Italy.
Under the Counts of Savoy, the castle was expanded and divided into 2 parts, one for administrative functions, and the other for the Counts of Savoy, when they resided at Chillon.
in 1536 the Bernese took possession of the fortress during the Burgundian Wars and adapted it to be able to withstand the then new military weaponry. It became a fortress, arsenal and prison.
1789 - the Vaudois people revolted against the Bernese and the castle became the property of the Vanton of Vaud.
Opening hours: (Winter) - Mon-Sun 10-5 pm
Free entry with Swiss Travel Pass.
The castle has many rooms - these are the Highlights you should see:
Cellars - where prisoners were incarcerated - vaulted ceilings - inspired Byron to write his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon" - he scratched his name in a column (3rd from entrance, covered by glass)
The 4 courtyards - Numbers 3, 12, 23, 25 on the plan of the castle
The 3 formal great halls/banqueting halls/ halls of justice:
Castellan's Dining Hall #13;
Aula Nova#14;
Aula Magna #26
Private Quarters - Room nos. 15-17; small bed in bedroom #16
Camera Domini #19 - the Duke of Savoy's private bedchamber, and medieval latrines #21
St George's Chapel #24
Bunker Museum - Fort de Chillon
Built in 1941, in the midst of the 2nd World War, Fort de Chillon's main mission was to serve as a strategic defense point along Lake Geneva, protecting one of the crucial access routes to the heart of the Swiss Alps. It was designed to resist both air and ground attack and its underground location made it particularly difficult to detect and attack.
Until its decommissioning in 1995, the fort was one of Switzerland's best-kept military secrets. Since 2020, Fort de Chillon has been a museum. Using modern technology like augmented reality, sound, video and interactive experiences, visitors are given an insight into the life of a soldier who was stationed there. It also invites visitors to reflect on the challenges of war and peace - a place where the past meets the present, the evolution of military defense and its impact on modern society.
Opening hours: (Winter) - Wed-Sun 10-4 pm
Free entry with Swiss Travel Pass.
For additional info related to today's places and activities, see: