Montreux Jazz Festival
Early July
Two weeks of world-famous music on the lakeshore — some programming is free, while major concerts require tickets.
- Where
- Montreux lakefront
- Arrival
- Montreux station
← Vaud
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Vaud · Travel guide
Language: FrenchCapital: Lausanne Guest card GoldenPass Express
Top sights
Lavaux vineyards
Lavaux, above Lake Geneva
The UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraces descend between Lausanne and Montreux to Lake Geneva, with vineyard villages and the historic wine-growing landscape.
Visitor tip: Walk a marked vineyard path and check train connections between villages; steep lanes can be slippery after rain.
Plan your visitChâteau de Chillon
Veytaux, near Montreux
Chillon Castle stands on a rocky islet at the lake edge, with medieval halls, courtyards and ramparts overlooking Lake Geneva.
Visitor tip: Allow time for the full route through the castle and check access arrangements before arrival.
Plan your visitLausanne old town
Lausanne
Lausanne’s old town climbs to the Gothic cathedral, with covered stairways, market lanes and viewpoints over the lake.
Visitor tip: Wear comfortable shoes for steep streets and check cathedral access if you want to see the interior.
Plan your visit
Festivals & celebrations
The celebrations Vaud is known for — confirm exact dates on the official agenda before travelling.
Caves Ouvertes
Late May
Open wine cellars weekend — one ticket lets you taste across Vaud's wine villages.
- Where
- Vaud wine villages
- Arrival
- Regional trains and buses
Festival de la Cité
July
Free theatre, music and street arts in Lausanne's old town.
- Where
- Lausanne old town
- Arrival
- Lausanne station / metro
Christmas & winter lights
Montreux Noël
Late November–24 December
Switzerland's most famous lakeside Christmas market — chalets along the promenade and Santa's house on Rochers-de-Naye.
Dates, programme & ticketsBefore you go
Dates above are typical periods, not confirmed schedules. Check opening hours, admission, age limits and accessibility with the organiser. Book popular concerts and accommodation early; public transport is usually the simplest way to reach busy town centres.
Summer spots
Villars summer
Vaud
Villars-sur-Ollon is a starting point for alpine walks and mountain-bike routes, with views across the Rhône valley toward the Dents du Midi.
Visitor tip: Check lift schedules and trail grading before choosing a route; mountain weather can change quickly.
Plan your visitLeysin summer
Vaud
Leysin’s high plateau opens onto hikes and viewpoints beneath the Tour d’Aï and Tour de Mayen, above the Rhône valley.
Visitor tip: Check cableway operation and route conditions, especially on exposed paths around the towers.
Plan your visitMontreux lakeside
Vaud
Montreux’s flower-lined promenade passes Belle Époque façades and lakeside parks beneath the mountain slopes.
Visitor tip: Walk toward Château de Chillon along the shore and check the return transport if not walking both ways.
Plan your visit
Winter spots
Villars winter
Vaud
Villars links winter pistes with the neighbouring Gryon and Les Diablerets area, offering skiing and snow activities above the Rhône valley.
Visitor tip: Check the live lift and piste map for connections and snow conditions before departure.
Plan your visitLeysin winter
Vaud
Leysin’s winter domain has pistes beneath the Tour d’Aï and a sunny high-plateau setting above Aigle.
Visitor tip: Check snow cover and lift status; the wind-exposed sector may operate differently from village level.
Plan your visitMontreux lakeside
Vaud
Montreux’s flower-lined promenade passes Belle Époque façades and lakeside parks beneath the mountain slopes.
Visitor tip: Walk toward Château de Chillon along the shore and check the return transport if not walking both ways.
Plan your visit
Check local weather, trail conditions and transport timetables before setting out. Mountain lifts and seasonal attractions may close; snow is not guaranteed.
Getting around
Hotel guests in Lausanne and Montreux receive cards with free local transport — check current conditions.
Scenic train: GoldenPass Express
Quick answers for visitors
- When is the best time to visit Vaud?
- Summer: Vineyard walks, Montreux Jazz Festival, lake swimming. Winter: Skiing in Villars and Leysin, Montreux Christmas market.
- Which festivals is Vaud known for?
- Montreux Jazz Festival (Early July) · Caves Ouvertes (Late May) · Festival de la Cité (July)
- Is there a Christmas market in Vaud?
- Montreux Noël — Late November–24 December
- Is there a guest card in Vaud?
- Hotel guests in Lausanne and Montreux receive cards with free local transport — check current conditions.
Have a question about Vaud?
Ask locals and expats in the community forum — from guest cards to festival tips.
Ask the forum