Montreux Travel Forum

unfortunately, my friend backed out of our trip to montreux at the last moment. however, i am still determined to go and have a good time.. i will arrive july 12 -15. however, i am a little apprehensive about going to a foreign country without command of the language as a single person..any tips or suggestions anyone can share on having a good time in montreux as a single??

merci
don

Funny question :-). I find travelling single it a nice break from travelling with the whole family. But I guess people are different in this.

The language shouldn't be a problem, even in the French part of Switzerland. Just be polite, if you have problems communicating with the natives in English instead use your hands and feet, and bring a dictionary.

If you're worried about feeling lonely, there are several things you can do (apart from hiring a 'professional' companion).

I always take the chance to do all those "boring" things neither my kids nor my wife like, e.g. visit art museums, go to jazz concerts, walk around town until my feet are sore, get up early in the morning to go jogging, etc etc.

A bit of info:
- The official website about Montreux is here: http://www.montreux.ch/index_en.html . Lots of info about culture, sight-seeing, concerts. It's even in English!
- The Jazz Festival site: http://www.montreuxjazz.com/2004/default.htm
- Last but not least there's quite a bit of stuff on the Montreux page:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/a8b7b/

And if you feel really bored, come to Berne and we can have a beer :-).

Been in Montreux last April, and I am sure you'll love it, the scenary is stunning! The language may be a problem, because Montreux is French-speaking and because of the lesser afluence of tourists compared to other French-speaking cities like Geneva or Lausanne, not many locals in Montreux are familiar with English. However, the touristic information is also given in English, and I'm sure accomodation people manage English, so you can rely on your hotel/hostel managers to look for other information you need.
Don't forget to go to the Old Town and to visit the Chateau de Chillon, 40 minutes by walk around the lake from the touristic office (you can also go by car or train, but I recommend the walk, the scenary is breathtaking!!).
Regards,
Flor de Maria

bonjour,

thanks for the info... i saw your home page and noticed that you have been to rio de janerio and i was there last april.. it too is a beautiful city... moreover, i noticed that you have been to the hague and amsterdam.. i guess great minds think alike... i am leaving paris for amsterdam and the jazz festival at the hague... :-) any insight or suggestions for those cities??

meric

montreux is familiar with english. But i can be around on the 11july...