Montreux, Municipality on Lake Geneva shores, Switzerland
Montreux is a municipality on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The setting includes vineyards on southern slopes, lakeside paths with broad promenades, and mountain ranges that shelter the lake basin from the north.
A small monastery formed the core of the settlement in the 11th century, later gaining recognition for wine production. From the 19th century onward the town grew into a destination for visitors seeking its mild climate.
Every July the lakeside promenade turns into a stage for the Montreux Jazz Festival, drawing musicians and listeners from around the world. Along the waterfront boulevard stand statues of artists who performed here, including a memorial to Freddie Mercury.
Train connections run along the coast toward Geneva and onward to France, as well as through the Simplon Tunnel toward Italy. Mountain railways reach surrounding villages and higher viewpoints.
The nearby Château de Chillon has stood on a rock in the lake since the 13th century and once served as a strategic post on the trade route to Italy. The fortress operated for centuries as a customs station and prison before becoming a museum.
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