Moving to Montreux and the Vaud Riviera
The mildest climate in Switzerland, an exceptional cultural heritage and a living environment between lake and mountains.
Montreux and the Vaudois Riviera enjoy an international reputation that goes far beyond Swiss borders. The Jazz Festival, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO world heritage site, the memory of Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury: this region embodies the Swiss art of living at its highest level.
With its exceptional microclimate, the mildest in Switzerland thanks to the protection of the Alps and the regulating effect of Lake Geneva, Montreux has attracted a demanding international clientele since the 19th century. Today, the city attracts expatriate families with its prestigious international schools, its security and a breathtaking natural setting. Our team will help you settle in this exceptional region.
Montreux and the Riviera, pearl of Leman
Montreux, a town of 26,500 inhabitants located at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, is the heart of the Vaud Riviera. This region, which extends from Vevey to Villeneuve, benefits from an exceptional natural setting: the lake to the south, the vineyards of Lavaux to the west, the Prealps to the north and the Dents du Midi to the east. Everything is bathed in a uniquely mild microclimate in Switzerland.
The history of Montreux as an international destination dates back to the 19th century, when the European aristocracy built grand hotels and villas there. Charlie Chaplin lived there for the last 25 years of his life, in Corsier-sur-Vevey. Freddie Mercury recorded his last albums at Mountain Studio, and his statue on the quays has become a place of worldwide pilgrimage.
Today, Montreux combines cultural heritage and modernity. The Montreux Palace conference center, the Haute Ecole de musique and the dynamism of tourism maintain a lively local economy. The proximity of Vevey, Nestle's world headquarters, considerably expands the region's professional opportunities.
The districts of Montreux and surrounding areas
The Vaudois Riviera offers very varied living environments, from the bustling city center of Montreux to the peaceful wine-growing villages in the heights. The choice of place of residence depends on your priorities: proximity to transport, view of the lake, calm or entertainment.
Montreux center and quays
The heart of Montreux extends along the flowery quays, with a 7 kilometer lakeside promenade. Apartments with views of the lake and mountains are particularly sought after. There are shops, restaurants, the covered market and the CFF station. Rents: CHF 2,000 to CHF 3,200 for a 3.5 room apartment, more for lake views.
Territet and Veytaux
Located between Montreux and Chillon Castle, Territet and Veytaux offer a quiet residential setting on the lakeside. The former Grand Hotel de Territet bears witness to the past splendor of the district. It is an area appreciated for its slightly more affordable rents and its quiet atmosphere. Rent: CHF 1,700 to CHF 2,500 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Clarens
A residential area between Montreux and Vevey, Clarens combines village life with easy access to both cities. The marina, local shops and schools make it a place for families to live. Rent: CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Villeneuve
At the eastern end of the lake, Villeneuve offers the most affordable prices on the Riviera. The town is well served by train and benefits from a remarkable natural setting, between the lake and the Grande Cariçaie marshes. Ideal for families on a moderate budget. Rent: CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,200 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Riviera International Schools
The Montreux-Vevey region is a global hotspot for international private education. Institut Le Rosey, founded in 1880, is considered the most exclusive school in the world, with a summer campus in Rolle and a winter campus in Gstaad. Tuition fees exceed CHF 130,000 per year, but the establishment offers an unrivaled alumni network.
St. George's International School, located in Clarens, offers a British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students aged 1 to 18. The school is renowned for its personalized support and its exceptional lakeside setting.
Other establishments complete the offer: Haut-Lac International Bilingual School in Saint-Legier, Vaud public schools with French-speaking reception classes, and several bilingual nurseries. The diversity of options allows each family to find the course adapted to their needs and their budget.
Employment and economy of the Riviera
The economy of the Vaud Riviera is based on several pillars. Tourism and hospitality remain major sectors, with large historic hotels (Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic) and the 2M2C Congress Center which hosts international events throughout the year.
In Vevey, 10 minutes by train from Montreux, Nestle's world headquarters employs several thousand people. The food giant has created an economic ecosystem that attracts other companies in the food, marketing and technology sectors. Several other multinationals are established in the region, particularly in the fields of luxury and international trade.
For executives wishing to work in Lausanne or Geneva, the Riviera offers an incomparable living environment. Lausanne is 20 minutes by train, and a direct journey connects Montreux to Geneva Airport in 1 hour 15 minutes. Teleworking, which has increased significantly since 2020, makes this option even more attractive.
Culture and leisure in Montreux
The Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs, is the city's flagship event. For two weeks in July, more than 250,000 spectators attend concerts in various venues, from ticketed stages to free concerts on the quays. The festival has hosted legends like Miles Davis, Prince, David Bowie and Aretha Franklin.
Beyond jazz, the Riviera offers a rich cultural life all year round: the Montreux Christmas Market (one of the most beautiful in Switzerland), Chaplin's World in Corsier-sur-Vevey (museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin), the Nest Museum of Nestle in Vevey, the Chillon Castle (the most visited monument in Switzerland) and tastings in the cellars of Lavaux.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking in the Prealps (Rochers de Naye accessible by the MOB rack railway), skiing in Leysin or Villars (30 to 45 minutes), water sports on the lake and walks in the Lavaux vineyards. The mild climate allows you to enjoy the terraces and quays most of the year.
Highlights
Mildest climate in Switzerland
Protected by the Alps and warmed by Lake Geneva, the Riviera benefits from a unique microclimate in Switzerland. Palm trees, magnolias and camellias bloom on the quays, displaying a remarkable softness.
World famous Jazz Festival
The Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967, is one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. For two weeks in July, the city vibrates to the rhythm of exceptional concerts.
UNESCO Heritage
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux, between Montreux and Lausanne, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. This spectacular landscape of hillside vineyards is unique in Europe.
Premium international schools
The region is home to some of the most prestigious private schools in the world, including Institut Le Rosey and St. George's International School, attracting families from around the world.
Settling in Montreux
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