Montreux

Today I spent the day in Montreux, about an hour away on Lake Geneva (the other end of it). It was gorgeous outside; at one point I took my jacket off! Montreux was absolutely stunning. Honestly, there were times when I thought, "Seriously? Seriously?? This has GOT to be fake. Is that a backdrop...or a green screen?"

Like Lugano, it's build on a hill with the lake at the base, backed by mountains. First, I walked along the lake, a picturesque walk. The path is lined with a stone wall that breaks off every so often into small stone steps that lead to a bench surrounded by flowers and sometimes an ancored sailboat or long dock, where you can sit and enjoy the view of the cloud-topped mountains. Simply amazing. I walked about 2 miles along the water until I reached Chateau Chillon. This castle was so cool! I took an audio tour that led me through all this tiny stone passageways and into cramped stone towers with breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. Awesome.

After the castle, I took the bus about five minutes to Villeneuve, which is where Lord Byron apparently wrote some of his works. This tiny town was your quintessential seaside village. Boats everywhere and people just strolling among them. It was the most peaceful walk, just going up and down the docks with a distant Montreux in the background. (I'll add pictures). I laid down on this bench by the water and under the warm sun, nodded off for about an hour. It was fantastic.

After my nap I headed back to Montreux and walked the other way along the water. Here, I discovered a Freddie Mercury statue-- apparently he and Queen spent some time in Montreux and may have even written some songs here! (Weeee arre the chaaaampions!!) Again, just an amazingly peaceful walk. Kids rollerblading, parents pushing strollers, elderly couples sitting on benches overlooking the lake, a group of teens playing soccer on the green grass of a park. I sat on the edge of the wall, dangling my feet over the water, and watched a Montreux sunset.

I just have one thing to say if you plan on visiting Switzerland: Montreux, Montreux, Montreux!! (OK, that was three...)

PS. The kid in picture #2 definitely got a little suspicious afterwards..