Montreaux and Gruyeres

Prior to going to Switzerland, I read “Switzerland – Culture Smart“, primarily because I was concerned about the language barrier and did not want to inadvertently offend anyone. After reading this book, I was smitten with Swiss culture and decided that deep down, I was Swiss. I loved the obvious pieces: food, outdoorsy culture, music. I also assumed (correctly), that the Swiss are a punctual people and greatly respect the time of others.  But I also learned about their business style, the way relationships develop, and how the history has influenced everyday interactions. I can’t put my finger on any one thing, but I loved it. I really empathized with the Swiss ways.

So anyway, on to the pretty pretty pictures of this AMAZING country. Hopefully you’ve seen our post on Lauterbrunnen, which was so special that it deserved a post on its own.

We visited Montreux, exploring of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the unique topology of the region and the practices farmers adapted in order to grow their grapes. (Interesting side note, farmers are not allowed to grow any other crop other than grapes.)

View from Riex overlooking Lake Geneva

We completed a half day walk from Culley to Epesses to Riex exploring the vineyards and charming towns along the way. (TIP: the tasting rooms don’t open till late afternoon. So if you’re hear early in the day, don’t plan on tasting).

Culley Vineyards

Also a staple of the region is the beautiful/forbidding Chateau de Chillon. This castle was used to house prisoners in the 16th century. Hubs and I did not get to go inside because it was not yet open for the day. But I’ll be honest, we got great, unfettered views of this castle since no tourists were there yet.

View from Riex overlooking Lake Geneva

I HAD to find Saint Bernards while in Switzerland since I’m an unabashed dog lover (go see my furry friends). What is more Swiss than those lovable, slobbering pups? Nothing, that’s what. We found Musee et Cheins du Saint-Bernard near Martigny that houses the Barry Foundation.

We visited the Barry Foundation on what happened to be their 10th anniversary. I loved getting to visit with the dogs and you can hug and snuggle them. They enjoyed it too, but were definitely tired at the end of the day from all the attention. This is a free visit, but I strongly recommend donating to them.

The Barry Foundation took over for the monks that used to raise and train this beautiful dogs. Its clear the Barry Foundation have taken the job to heart and are putting great care into raising these snuggle buddies.

View from Riex overlooking Lake Geneva

Another fun side trip was a short hike to the Tellskapele on the shore of Lake Uri driving from Lucern to Lauterbrunnen. It was a little bit out of the way but is well worth it. We also had lunch at the cafe at the top. Beautiful chapel set in the most surreal scenery.

Luke Uri at Tellskapelle

We concluded our trip to Switzerland with an overnight stay in charming, rustic Gruyere. This town is something out of a fairy tale with its cobblestone streets, castle fortress, and quaint village nestled in the foothills of the Alps. While you’re there, definitely eat at Le Chalet de Gruyeres! The fondue and raclette are quintessential Swiss meals. I swear I had to be literally rolled out of there after how much I ate… but it was soooo worth it. I was so taken with the food, I wrote about that too.

Gruyeres Village after the tourists have left for the day. View from Le Chalet.

DO:

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces west of Montreux encompassing several small towns such as Culley, Epesses, and Riex

Gruyeres, Switzerland

Barry Foundation Martigny, Switzerland

EAT:

Le Chalet Gruyeres, Switzerland.  Seriously good fondue and raclette in a a region overflowing with options.  Great view of the village, too.

STAY:

Suisse Majestic Montreux, Switzerland.  An affordable option for the classic Victorian Resort Hotel experience.  Great views of Lake Geneva.

Hostellerie Saint-Georges Gruyere, Switzerland.  The hotels in Gruyere appear to be run by the same company, but this was as comfortable as needed (sans AC) and had we enjoyed big windows overlooking the pedestrian street.  Without the noise from cars and buses it had an old world feel that’s hard to find.