There’s a certain kind of magic to Montreux — a place where the Alps meet Lake Geneva in a setting so picturesque, it feels almost unreal. With its palm-lined promenades, Belle Époque architecture, and a rhythm that blends elegance with ease, Montreux is more than just a destination — it’s a way of life. The air feels lighter here, the light a little softer, and time seems to stretch in the most luxurious way. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the water, wandering through sun-drenched vineyards, or ending the day with live jazz echoing across the lake, the Swiss Riviera offers a refined escape that’s both inspiring and deeply restorative.
In this month’s Around the World, Olivier Fahrni, broker/owner of the first office in Switzerland, shares what it’s really like to live in this lakeside gem — from favorite weekend rituals and culinary highlights to hidden corners and cultural must-sees. His reflections paint a portrait of a place where natural beauty and thoughtful living go hand in hand, where every detail — from the local markets to the panoramic train rides — feels curated for quality of life. As Monsieur Fahrni says, “Montreux offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and refined lifestyle. Set between the lake and the Alps, it’s not only breathtaking — it’s also incredibly safe and family-friendly. With excellent international schools and a peaceful environment, it’s the perfect place to live, raise a family, or enjoy an unforgettable stay.” If you’re dreaming of a place where nature, culture, and comfort come together effortlessly, Montreux might just be your next great escape — or even your next home.
Where do you live?
I live in Montreux, on the Swiss Riviera, where the mountains meet the lake in perfect harmony. It’s a place of inspiration and calm — with palm trees, historic villas, and panoramic views over Lake Geneva. The atmosphere is both cosmopolitan and peaceful, ideal for those seeking a refined quality of life.
What is the perfect weekend day like?
A perfect weekend on the Swiss Riviera begins with a quiet coffee on Montreux’s palm-lined lake promenade, where the Alps reflect softly on the water. Late morning, a walk through the sun-drenched vineyards of Lavaux or a visit to the iconic Château de Chillon offers both beauty and history. In the afternoon, a scenic boat cruise to Lausanne or a wellness escape to a spa in the surrounding hills provides just the right balance of relaxation. As the sun sets, the day ends with dinner on a terrace overlooking the lake, perhaps followed by live music — jazz, of course — in the town that made it legendary.
What are the common modes of transportation there?
Public transport on the Swiss Riviera is outstanding — trains, buses, and boats are not only punctual, but also offer some of the most scenic journeys in Europe. The GoldenPass panoramic train connects Montreux to Gstaad and Interlaken with breathtaking views, while e-bikes and electric cars are widely used by locals for everyday travel.
International connectivity is excellent: Geneva Airport is just over an hour away by train or car. Zurich Airport, Switzerland’s largest international hub, is also easily reachable in under 2.5 hours. Thanks to the direct TGV, Paris is only 3.5 hours away. And with the Simplon line, Milan is accessible in just 3 hours, making cross-border travel fast, efficient and comfortable.
Whether you’re heading to the Alps, the Côte d’Azur or a European capital, Montreux is surprisingly central — and effortlessly connected.
Tell us about the foods your area is known for:
Montreux and the surrounding region offer a blend of Swiss, French and Italian influences. Local specialties include fondue moitié-moitié, filets de perche from the lake, and vacherin Mont-d’Or. The wines from the Lavaux vineyards — especially Chasselas — are a local treasure.
What is your favourite meal, at home or at a restaurant?
We’re truly spoiled here — the Swiss Riviera offers an exceptional selection of restaurants, including some of the finest dining experiences in the world. A dinner at Le Pont de Brent, a Michelin-starred restaurant just above Montreux, is always a highlight — refined Swiss cuisine with creativity and elegance.
But as much as I enjoy fine dining, I also love cooking at home and sharing quality time with family and friends. A simple raclette or pasta made from scratch, a bottle of local wine, and a meal shared on the terrace with a view of the lake — those are the moments I cherish the most.
Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why?
I always recommend starting with Montreux, the heart of the Swiss Riviera. It’s the ideal base to explore a region that offers an exceptional blend of nature, culture, and elegance. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, visit the iconic Château de Chillon, or enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva — all with the Alps as your backdrop. A few minutes away, the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage) offer breathtaking views and unforgettable wine tastings. In Vevey, discover the charming old town, lakeside cafés, and the Alimentarium, a museum dedicated to food and culture. Just 20 minutes further, Lausanne adds an urban touch with its vibrant art scene, fine dining, luxury shopping, and the world-renowned Olympic Museum. It’s a dynamic and youthful city that perfectly complements the timeless serenity of Montreux.
For mountain lovers, the region is also a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most exclusive alpine destinations:
- Gstaad, with its luxury chalets and world-class events
- Verbier, a haven for skiers and hikers with an international flair
- Zermatt, home to the majestic Matterhorn and an iconic year-round alpine experience
From lakeside vineyards to snowy peaks, the Riviera and its surroundings offer the ultimate Swiss escape — refined, diverse, and unforgettable.
What is your favourite recreational or leisure time activity?
I love hiking in the hills above Montreux, where the views stretch across Lake Geneva to the French Alps — it’s both peaceful and inspiring. But one of my favorite ways to enjoy the region is simply to walk or cycle along the quai that connects Montreux to Vevey. Lined with palm trees, flowers, and art installations, it’s the perfect route for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a lakeside bike ride.
The lake itself offers endless recreational possibilities — paddleboarding, sailing, water skiing or simply boarding a Belle Époque steamboat for a timeless cruise.
On weekends, I love exploring the open-air markets of Vevey, filled with local produce, flowers, cheeses, and artisanal goods — a true celebration of Swiss terroir and community life.
And of course, music and culture are always present here, especially during the Montreux Jazz Festival, when the entire town becomes a vibrant hub of creativity, concerts, and encounters by the lake.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, every day on the Riviera feels like a perfect balance between serenity and inspiration.
Is there a specialty your area is known for?
The Swiss Riviera is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes, but also for its culinary excellence and prestigious services.
From a gastronomic perspective, the region celebrates Swiss tradition with specialties like fondue, raclette, and mountain cheeses such as Vacherin Mont-d’Or and Gruyère. These are best enjoyed with Chasselas, a refined white wine produced in the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively Vevey farmers’ markets are a local favorite, offering fresh produce, artisanal breads, regional meats, and handcrafted delicacies each week.
Beyond cuisine, Montreux and the Riviera are internationally recognized for their world-class hospitality. The region hosts two of the most prestigious hotel management schools, attracting future leaders in luxury and service from around the world.
The area also stands out for its high-end private healthcare, with renowned clinics, offering state-of-the-art medical care, longevity programs, and holistic wellness retreats to a discerning international clientele.
Together, these culinary traditions and luxury services — from fine dining and exceptional wines to elite education and world-renowned medical care — make Montreux and the Swiss Riviera a benchmark for quality living and refined wellbeing, all reflecting the discreet, elegant lifestyle that defines life on the Swiss Riviera.
Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region:
Montreux and the Swiss Riviera offer one of the rare opportunities in Switzerland where foreign nationals can legally acquire a secondary residence, thanks to a special exemption under the Lex Koller law. This makes the region particularly attractive to international buyers seeking a secure and prestigious location for a holiday home or long-term investment.
In addition, the canton of Vaud offers the possibility of a lump-sum tax agreement (forfait fiscal) for eligible new residents. This discreet and favorable regime allows taxation based on living expenses rather than global income — ideal for those looking for a refined lifestyle with attractive fiscal conditions.
Between lake and mountains, Montreux combines natural beauty, cultural prestige and legal accessibility, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Switzerland.
If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why?
If I were to live elsewhere, it would be on the Côte d’Azur, more specifically in Sainte-Maxime. This charming town combines the glamour of the French Riviera with a more relaxed and authentic lifestyle. You get the sun, the sea, Provençal markets, elegant properties, and a real sense of art de vivre — all while avoiding the crowds of Saint-Tropez, just across the bay. With its Mediterranean climate, refined atmosphere and timeless appeal, Sainte-Maxime offers a perfect blend of elegance, tradition and seaside serenity — much like Montreux, but with a Southern flair.
Territory Summary:
The Swiss Riviera, centered around Montreux, stretches along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, framed by terraced vineyards and the dramatic peaks of the Alps. This unique geography creates not only postcard-worthy landscapes, but also a mild microclimate that sets the region apart — allowing palm trees and Mediterranean plants to thrive in the heart of Switzerland.
Historically, the region has been a magnet for artists, philosophers, and royalty since the 19th century, thanks to its beauty, discretion and cosmopolitan flair. Writers like Rousseau and Byron, composers like Stravinsky, and stars such as Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin all lived or worked here — leaving a legacy of culture and creativity that still defines the area today.
Economically, the Riviera combines prestige tourism, private education, and luxury real estate, alongside major institutions like Nestlé’s global headquarters in nearby Vevey and the Olympic Committee in Lausanne. The region attracts high-net-worth individuals from around the world seeking security, lifestyle, and long-term investment value.
With its unique blend of natural elegance, cultural depth and economic stability, Montreux and the Riviera represent the very best of what Switzerland has to offer.
Key Facts:
Population: 27,000
Language(s) Spoken: French, English, German
Climate: Mild and temperate
Currency: Swiss Franc
Industry Facts:
Types of Architecture: Belle Époque & Contemporary Architecture
Average Sale price: CHF 2,000,000. However, listings range from CHF 800,000 to several million Swiss francs.
Average years in house/apt: 10 years
