Swiss Travelogue: Two Riviera Jewels 'Vevey and Montreux'

Salut! After our summer sojourn to Geneva, I am really excited to show you the magic of two more Swiss Riviera jewels - Vevey and Montreux.

I stayed in a quaint little town, La-Tour-De-Peilz, between these cities. From long walks along lakeside promenade to sweet summer cruises, the French-speaking part of Switzerland will always evoke a sense of wonder.

A stroll along the lakeside promenade on sweet summer nights | Photo Credit: Rachita Verma

Martin Buber once famously quoted “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”  And I am here to do exactly that. So without any further ado, let’s go and explore the delightful treasures!

My Second Stopover: Vevey

To describe Vevey as a work of beauty is an understatement. Once you enter the world of palm-fringed lakeside promenade, shimmering golden waters and locals basking in sunny outdoors, you would want to spend your entire summer here (and come back for more!).

Along the rocky shores of Lac Leman is a statue of one of the most pivotal comic stars of all times – Charlie Chaplin. While the statue stands as a famed landmark, the legend of the English comedian is lives on in other forms too – chocolates shaped as Charlie Chaplin shoes at Pivot and the renowned Charlie Chaplin museum!

As you gaze at Mr. Chaplin, you wonder what he is staring at in the far off distance. Follow his gaze and you will see a shiny metal object. Wait, it can’t be true – a floating fork in the middle of a lake?

The pride of Vevey: Charlie Chaplin and the giant fork! | Photo Credit: Traumrune/Wikimedia

Yes indeed! This 8 metre high artistic masterpiece was built as an ode to mark the 10^th anniversary of the Nestle Food Museum and is now an integral part of Vevey. Besides being a spot for amusing photographs (kids would love a picture here!), the fork is synonymous with food and a symbol of Switzerland’s culinary history.

Too ‘Cheese’y? Never!

Everyone in the world knows that Switzerland is a melting pot of cheese and of course, chocolate. And the best place to start the Swiss food trail is none other than the home to ‘king of cheese’ – La Maison du Gruyere (Gruyere cheese dairy).

One bite of cheese and you will smile like a child

To see cheese being produced here will leave you amazed, and hungry!  To bid au revoir to your cheese cravings, head to the charming restaurant La Fleur De Lys and have the all-too-delicious ‘moitié-moitié fondue.

If you are looking for a more adventurous meal, enter a surreal world at H. R. Giger’s Bar in Gruyere. Nothing can prepare you for the interiors – alien-like seating and a bar that resembles the inside of a whale. It may not be magical, but it will definitely make for a great story back home!

A Glass of Wine in Summertime

Usher in summers with a glass of wine | Photo Credit: Rachita Verma

Wine and cheese are ageless companions, as the saying goes, and it’s impossible to think of one without the other. The Swiss know this all too well, and have started a ‘wine train’ from Vevey to Chexbres. Get your first glimpse of heaven as you whiz past the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Lavaux vineyards – on one side and the towering snow-capped Alps on another.

A paradise of sunshine and terraced Lavaux vineyards | Photo Credit: Rachita Verma

In Chexbres, the immaculately terraced vineyards are all yours to explore on foot! Take a walk along cobbled pathways to Rivaz and stop over at Auberge du Rivaz, a favourite of many, to savour local specialties.

For an all-encompassing wine tasting experience, choose from a whopping 204 Lavaux wines made of Chasselas, Plant Robertand other grape varieties at Lavaux Vinorama!

To celebrate the wine-growing traditions in all its glory, the town of Vevey hosts a wine festival, or Fête des Vignerons, every few years. Although I was lucky enough to see the spectacular display in 1999, the next festival will be held in 2019.

An ode to wine-growers in the festival 'La Fête des Vignerons' | Photo Credit: Rachita Verma

The Swiss Musical Adventure: Montreux

As you leave the shores of Vevey and its countless patisseries and stores, a stunning cruise ride takes you into the world of adventure and music in Montreux.

Passion for music exists in all corners of the globe, but nowhere is it celebrated with such pomp and show as the Montreux Jazz Festival, to be held from 3rd to 18th July 2015.

Striking the right note at Montreux Jazz Festival | Photo Credit: Rahul Narain/Flickr Creative

 

From legendary artists to upcoming talent, this festival along the shores of Lake Geneva has more than 250,000 fans dancing to musical tunes every summer. Judging by the line-up for this year that includes maestros Prince and Sting, the Montreux Jazz Festival is certainly back with a bang!

With musical evenings spent under starry skies, the afternoons are entirely yours to explore Montreux the local way. So why not go on a little adventure of your own?

Swiss Vapour Park – Journey into Childhood Dreams

The Swiss Vapour Park in Le Bouveret has all the ingredients for recreating the perfect child-like experience – little trains, miniatures of famed Swiss attractions, and a gigantic 17,000 metre square area to be a free bird.

One ride is never enough at Swiss Vapour Park | Photo Credit: Champéry Tourisme/Wikimedia

As you climb on board a miniature train, the railway sidings and bridges make you believe you are indeed in a wonderland! Having been there myself, I know that even two dozen photos are insufficient. So I would suggest taking two train rides – one to capture the paradise and another for memorabilia.

The Park has a summer surprise - the International Steam Festival between 7^th and 16^th June 2013 where over 60 steam and electric trains chug along railway tracks.

As I pen down the last few words, the memories of Switzerland are still fresh in my mind. So watch out for I will be back soon with plenty of Swiss treats just for you!

To experience summer on an Alpine high, book flight tickets and embark on your Swiss tour today with MakeMyTrip!