Freddie Mercury, Jazz, Montreux et al
The origin of the town’s name Montreux came from the word ‘monastery’ that was modified over the centuries. Originally a series of villages separated by vineyards in the olden times that later became a small confederation which is what Montreux is today, a low-key hang out for the older generation of the rich and famous. Montreux is part of the Rivera-Pays-d’-Enhaut district in the Canton of Vaud and is just less than 2 hours train ride from Geneva with a change in Lausanne.
The city is renowned for its annual ‘Jazz Festival’ during summer hosting world famous musicians and celebrities, as well as, of course, for its very wealthy and cultured residents. Honestly, I don’t really understand what makes this place so desirable for the rich to stay here, except that as we all know they can hide their €€€$$$ in Switzerland, and of course the view to Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) and the French Alps are simply magnificent, but for the rest, I do not find Montreux that attractive and exciting at all.
I guess the most famous resident of Montreux is Freddie Mercury of the Queen. Dutchman adored the Queen and it was actually him who tipped me about the statue of Freddie Mercury in Montreux so I promised to take a foto for him. Freddie Mercury lived here in his last few years, in one of the apartments facing Lake Geneva (I have actually seen it but forgot to take a foto). It was said that Mercury found peace in Montreux. He even recorded an album here before he moved back to London and died of AIDS. His real name was Farrokh Bulsara and every September there is a memorial festival in honor of him in Montreux.
Looks like Bill Gates and Shania Twain have houses here as well.
The promenade however is a wonderful treat. The walkway stretches from Vevey through Montreux and Chillon in Veytaux, all the way to Villeneuve (refer to the illustrative map on the first paragraph of the entry). It is a lovely walking trail to stroll on, walk the dog, run on or even just sit in one of the many benches and watch the beauty of the lake and the Alps... and let time pass by.
Here are the popular festivals in Montreux: The Montreux Jazz Festival (July), Freddie Mercury’s Montreux Memorial Day (September), The Golden Rose Festival (during Spring) and The Golden Award of Montreux (April).
Travel Period: May 2010
Destination: Montreux (Vaud), Switzerland
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Place du Marche, the main square of Montreux and the statue of the iconic Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of Queen.
The city is renowned for its annual ‘Jazz Festival’ during summer hosting world famous musicians and celebrities, as well as, of course, for its very wealthy and cultured residents. Honestly, I don’t really understand what makes this place so desirable for the rich to stay here, except that as we all know they can hide their €€€$$$ in Switzerland, and of course the view to Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) and the French Alps are simply magnificent, but for the rest, I do not find Montreux that attractive and exciting at all.
I guess the most famous resident of Montreux is Freddie Mercury of the Queen. Dutchman adored the Queen and it was actually him who tipped me about the statue of Freddie Mercury in Montreux so I promised to take a foto for him. Freddie Mercury lived here in his last few years, in one of the apartments facing Lake Geneva (I have actually seen it but forgot to take a foto). It was said that Mercury found peace in Montreux. He even recorded an album here before he moved back to London and died of AIDS. His real name was Farrokh Bulsara and every September there is a memorial festival in honor of him in Montreux.
Looks like Bill Gates and Shania Twain have houses here as well.
Lovely views from the promenade to Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) and the French Alps..It is just too bad that it was a very cloudy day in Montreux.
Someone was nice enough to take a picture of me.
Restaurant and cafe terraces adorn the boulevard.
The market hall at Place du Marche (main square) which is currently empty.
The promenade however is a wonderful treat. The walkway stretches from Vevey through Montreux and Chillon in Veytaux, all the way to Villeneuve (refer to the illustrative map on the first paragraph of the entry). It is a lovely walking trail to stroll on, walk the dog, run on or even just sit in one of the many benches and watch the beauty of the lake and the Alps... and let time pass by.
Here are the popular festivals in Montreux: The Montreux Jazz Festival (July), Freddie Mercury’s Montreux Memorial Day (September), The Golden Rose Festival (during Spring) and The Golden Award of Montreux (April).
Moi looking tired and with a tan here, taking a souvenir foto of Montreux in the background.
This is Grand Rue, the main street of Montreux parallel to the promenade.
Travel Period: May 2010
Destination: Montreux (Vaud), Switzerland
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
