Montreux

Montreux sits right on the edge of Lake Geneva—think palm trees on the promenade, sparkling water, and snowy Alps rising behind it. It honestly feels a bit like the French Riviera but with a Swiss twist.

• The vibe: Chill and a little glamorous. It’s most famous for the Montreux Jazz Festival in July, but any time of year you’ll find families strolling the lakeside path, grabbing ice cream, or just soaking up the views.

• Things to do with kids: Explore Chillon Castle (straight out of a fairytale), hop on a boat across the lake, or ride the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye where you can meet marmots and see the mountains from above.

• Why go: It’s the perfect mix of relaxing by the lake and heading into the mountains for little adventures—plus, everything is super easy to reach by train.

👉 If you want slower mornings, pretty sunsets, and kid-friendly activities that still feel like a “wow” trip, Montreux is your spot. It's also a great choice for late Spring/early summer because it won't be as snow as other mountain towns!