Rochers-de-Naye is a 2,042 m ridge above Montreux with sweeping views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. A year-round cog railway reaches the summit; summer brings easy walks, the 1896 La Rambertia alpine garden and a small marmot park.
- 2,042 m summit on the Rhône/Rhine watershed with long-range vistas to Mont Blanc on clear days.
- Montreux–Glion–Rochers-de-Naye rack railway – ~55 min, typically hourly; highest line in canton Vaud.
- La Rambertia alpine garden (founded 1896) – ~1,000 species; generally free, snow-dependent season.
- Marmots’ Paradise – small marmot enclosures by the top station, usually free in summer.
- Seasonal Santa’s House on the summit during the pre-Christmas weeks.
- Summit lookouts and short ridge strolls with views of Lake Geneva, Dent de Jaman and the Alps.
- La Rambertia alpine garden (usually June – mid-October).
- Marmots’ Paradise near the top station and family-friendly paths.
The rack railway opened Glion – Rochers-de-Naye in 1892 and Montreux – Glion in 1909, opening the high ridge to tourism; the upper section was electrified in 1938.
The 1896 La Rambertia garden, dedicated to writer Eugène Rambert, became a hallmark of the site. In recent decades the summit added the Marmots’ Paradise and, each Advent season, the Santa’s House experience.
Location: Above Montreux and Villeneuve; top station Les Rochers-de-Naye on the Vaud Prealps ridge.
Getting there: Year-round cog railway from Montreux ~55 min, typically hourly; winter service may vary – check timetables. Connections: Territet–Glion funicular, CGN lake boats, VMCV buses.
Access: Gravel paths and steps on the plateau; expect wind and slick surfaces in bad weather. La Rambertia and the marmot park are a few minutes from the station.
Visiting hours: All year; La Rambertia usually June – mid-October; Santa’s House roughly late Nov – 24 Dec with special trains.
Visit duration: 2–4 h incl. views, garden and marmots; longer with ridge hikes.
Best time: Clear mornings or golden hour; in May, narcissi bloom around Caux (mid-station).
Notes: Mountain weather changes fast – pack a warm/windproof layer; winter brings partial closures and altered train patterns.
