Montreux Promenade –

What is this place

The Montreux Promenade is a flat, flower-lined lakeside walk skirting Lake Geneva for nearly 7 km, linking Clarens, central Montreux and the Chillon side. Landmarks include the 1996 Freddie Mercury statue at Place du Marché and the easy lakeside path to Chillon Castle (~4 km / ~45 min); summer brings Montreux Jazz Festival stages and crowds.

Key features

Almost 7 km of “flowery quays” with palm trees, floral art and lakefront vistas.
Freddie Mercury bronze at Place du Marché – unveiled 1996, a pilgrimage spot for Queen fans.
Signature stroll Montreux – Chillon – Villeneuve: ~4 km / ~45 min to Chillon; full section to Villeneuve ~6 km / ~1 h 25 min.
Montreux Jazz Festival since 1967 – lakeside and Lake Stage setups in summer can alter flows and access.
Benches, piers and CGN boat piers – easy to combine a walk with a lake cruise.

What to see

Flower beds, Mediterranean-style plantings and sweeping views to the Savoy Alps.
Place du Marché with the Mercury statue and bay panorama.
The waterside path hugging the shore towards Chillon Castle.

History

Montreux’s resort boom peaked in the late 19th–early 20th centuries, shaping Belle Époque hotels and the garden-styled “Quai des Fleurs”. The promenade’s lush plantings and mild microclimate have defined the town ever since.

The music chapter began in 1967 with the Montreux Jazz Festival; today, several summer stages sit right by the water. A modern icon – the Freddie Mercury statue – was inaugurated in 1996 on the market square by the promenade.

Practical information

Location: Lake Geneva shoreline across Montreux from Clarens to Veytaux; anchors include Place du Marché, Quai Edouard-Jacoud and the stretch to Chillon.

Getting there: SBB trains to Montreux, then 5–7 min downhill to the lakefront; VMCV bus 201 runs along the shore; CGN boats call at central Montreux and Chillon piers.

Access: Level, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly surface; during the Festival expect diversions and heavy footfall.

Visiting hours: Year-round; evening lighting and soft waterside light.

Visit duration: 30–60 min for the central loop; 1.5–2.5 h out-and-back to Chillon; ~1 h 25 min for the full stretch to Villeneuve.

Best time: Spring–autumn for blooms; golden hour for Alpine views.

Notes: During Montreux Jazz Festival (typically early July) it’s crowded and loud – plan ahead; summer stages can prompt temporary rerouting.