Vevey Travel Guide

Vevey is a small city of 16,000 people sandwiched between Montreux and Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is often neglected by visitors in favour of the larger cities close by, but they make a mistake, as Vevey is a chic little resort with much to offer.  Its quiet charm has appealed to writers, artists and musicians over the years too; Vevey's most famous former citizen was Charlie Chaplin, who spent the latter part of his life here, marrying and raising a family in a tiny village just outside the town. Grahame Greene also lived here and Freddie Mercury was fond of the area as well, having his studio close by in Montreux.

The city is also home to the sprawling Nestle Headquarters' complex, a little way out of the centre, which is why many people are familiar with the name "Vevey" without knowing why.

The weekly market held in the central square by the lake is a draw for locals and tourists alike and sells good quality merchandise and appetising food. This market square leads into the old town, a small maze-like area with some unique boutiques and shops, including the obligatory chocolatiers! A walk along the promenade is also worth while, taking in the cute statue of Charlie Chaplin facing out to the water.

Vevey is well connected for visiting the local area - the No. 1 trolley bus service shuttles up and down the lakeside from Vevey Funicular (which takes you high up Mont Pelerin for fine views and a good restaurant), down to Villeneuve, at the end of the lake. Lake cruising from Vevey Marché is also a must - well-serviced traditional paddle steamers forge up and down and round the lake with many combinations of calling points all day long.

Train connections allow you to travel even further afield from Vevey- the Wine Train heads up into the vineyards on the hills above the town and a pleasant afternoon can be spent by taking the train up to Chexbres and walking back through the vineyards and the picturesque villages en route.

The Les Pleiades service also departs from Vevey and takes a winding, gentle route high up the other side of the town to the beautiful meadows nestled in the high valleys. In spring the narcissi and gentians growing freely make this an idyllic setting for a leisurely walk.

By using the train to travel just down the line to Montreux, you open up options of travelling on the famous Golden Panoramic Express to Spiez and Gstaad for a spectacularly scenic ride.

A week in Vevey would allow you to avail yourself of the various delights this town offers to the traveller in a relaxing lake-side setting and is well connected to explore the rest of this beautiful corner of Switzerland.