Step1
Just a short drive from Geneva (56 miles), the closest major airport, or a quick train stop, Montreux is very accessible. The Montreux Palace, a classic, elegent 5-star hotel offers many rooms and a outdoor deck overlooking Lake Geneva. The rooms facing the main roadway are equipped with a special heavily insulated window covering to make the room virtually free of outdoor noise. Relaxing in the marble bathtub is a must. There are many remarkable historic hotels that have at least three stars.
Step2
Once you check in to your accommodations be ready to enjoy your picturesque local. The Chateau de Chillon was built in the 12th century to monitor both the water traffic and, more important, the traffic heading up into the the pass on the way to Italy. Expanded in the 13th and 14th centuries, this is a true fortress that depicts life in the Middle Ages. As you walk along the old walkways you can easily imagine yourself stepping in the footprints left behind by the residents, emporers, popes, prince and princesses, tourists and poets of the past. As for writers, you are following behind such greats as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and most of all Lord Byron. It is Byron who visited and wrote the poem, "The Prisoner of Chillon", inspired by the story of Swiss patriot Francois Bonivard's imprisonment in the 16th century.
Step3
Stop by Chateau La Tour-de Peilz. Built in the 13th century, it hosts the Swiss Museum of Games, which depicts the games cultures of the world play, from Roman times to today. Chateau de Chatelard, built in the 15th century, will show you a history of wine making, from the antique wine press to the Baronial cave (1750). The frescos from the 17th century are exquisite.
Step4
The village of Gruyeres is reachable from Montreux via train or your own vehicle. Walking along the cobblestone road to the old castle you can visit the Cheese Factory, where you can enjoy a meal.
Step5
Before you leave make sure that you stop by to visit the Freddie Mercury Memorial, which pays tribute to the late, but not forgotten, lead singer of the band Queen. There is also a gift shop, located beside the Memorial, with souvenirs and postcards of the famous band. Of note, Queen, set up their recording studio here, creating a loyal and enthusiastic following of locals.
Step6
The "Train des Vignes," or the Wine Train, provides the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the vineyards. he train travels through the countryside for 5miles. The views of valley and the Alps are magnificent. You will find Swiss wine sold throughout the region, even in the Chateau de Chillon gift shop.
Chateau de Chillon
Novice 
Comments
AlexakRosco said
on 7/22/2008 I am also upset.
And, BTW, Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of Queen, there was no leader in the band.
oltibc said
on 3/11/2008 Thanks for the spell check. I was going off my notes from one of my many trips to and had written it down incorrectly in each journal entry (so I thought I had it right!) And, although the Swiss France is still somewhat favored, locally, over the Euro, this could change at anytime so best to note both.
Ultraviolet said
on 2/15/2008 I am a little upset. Firstly, the name of the town your describing is Montreux - not Montreaux. Secondly, the local currency in Switzerland is Swiss Francs and even though you can use Euro, you will have very unfavorable exchange rates in most Restaurants, Hotels and Shops.