Let’s Talk About the Swiss Riviera

A little while ago, I was fortunate to be hosted on a joint Swiss Tourism/Inghams fam trip to discover this beautiful part of Switzerland. Despite having visited Switzerland many times before, this area was relatively new to me — and what an incredible discovery it turned out to be!

Stretching from Lausanne to Montreux, the Swiss Riviera encompasses the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, where vines cling to steep terraces overlooking Lake Geneva with the Alps rising dramatically beyond. Travelling east, you reach Vevey, with its charming old town, cafés, lakeside promenades, and the fascinating Chaplin’s World museum – the former home of Charlie Chaplin himself.

A little further along lies Montreux, famed for its Jazz Festival, Christmas Market, and the fairytale Chillon Castle — Switzerland’s most visited attraction. From Montreux, you can even hop aboard the Cheese and Chocolate Trains, which wind their way to the Gruyères cheese factory and Cailler (Nestlé) chocolate factory.

Back in Lausanne, just 35 minutes by train from Geneva, you’ll find the Olympic Museum, home to the World Olympic Committee. The museum’s restaurant boasts panoramic views across the lake to the Mont Blanc Massif — the perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery. Lausanne’s mediaeval old town also hosts Switzerland’s largest Gothic Cathedral, a fine arts museum, and a lively dining and nightlife scene.

This is, after all, the French-speaking part of Switzerland — where fine dining, culture, and exceptional (and rarely exported) wines abound. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll understand why the Swiss prefer to keep them all to themselves!

So next time you find yourself in Switzerland, why not take a mini adventure along the Swiss Riviera? I promise you’ll be captivated.

If you’d like me to tailor a bespoke itinerary for the Swiss Riviera — whether as part of a business trip or a leisurely escape — I’d love to help you experience its magic.