Day 30 SW Vevey, Montreux and Aigle

Morning Reflections on Lake Geneva – Vevey, Montreux and onto Aigle

Good morning from Lake Geneva — or as it’s known in French, Lac Léman. The lake was like a mirror this morning, perfectly still and catching every reflection from the Alps above. The mountains felt more visible today, the early mist lifting just enough to reveal a stunning skyline.

My journey today would take me into Montreux, and I couldn’t help but feel a quiet anticipation. But first — the lake.

Life Along the Lakeside

There’s something deeply grounding about early mornings here. Locals stroll the promenade, sip coffee on ordinary park benches with million-franc views, and paddle quietly across the lake on SUP boards. I even met a German traveler who had already been in for a swim. He told me the water was warm and beautiful — tempting, though a bit tricky with a heavy backpack.

Further down the promenade, I passed workers painting fences by the lakeside! I couldn’t help but think — this must be one of the world’s best spots to paint a fence. Many of these homes are grand but aged, their manicured gardens stretching right down to the shoreline. Elegant, understated, timeless.

More about the lake….

Lake Geneva is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Western Europe, stretching across both Switzerland and France. Beyond its beauty, the lake has long played a central role in trade, culture, and diplomacy. The city of Geneva at its western tip is home to the United Nations and Red Cross, while the eastern side — where I’m walking now — feels more serene by the minute! It’s hard to describe amazing the lake is!

Montreux: Where Music Meets the Mountains

By mid-morning, I arrived in Montreux, a town that punches well above its weight in musical history. Most know it today for the Montreux Jazz Festival, which, to my surprise, kicks off next week (July 4). Santana and Neil Young are both on the bill — and yes, I’m seriously considering coming back if I can find a ticket.

But Montreux’s musical legacy goes far beyond jazz. This is the town where Queen recorded much of their later work at the famous Mountain Studios, now a museum inside the Montreux Casino. Albums like Hot Space, A Kind of Magic, The Miracle, Innuendo, and Made in Heaven were all recorded here.

A statue of Freddie Mercury stands proudly by the lake, and yes I did get a pic!!!

Even Deep Purple’s iconic “Smoke on the Water” was born here, inspired by at the old casino. “Funky Claude,” immortalized in the song, was Claude Nobs — the founder of the Jazz Festival and a true character in Montreux’s story. I even spotted Funky Claude’s Bar today — a nod to his legacy.

Château de Chillon

Just beyond Montreux, perched dramatically on the lake’s edge, is Château de Chillon. This medieval fortress is straight out of a storybook and has inspired poets like Byron and writers like Victor Hugo. Its turrets and stone walls rise from the lake itself, and you can practically hear centuries of history echoing through the halls.

A Taste of the Region – Wine and more Wine…

The hills above Montreux are home to some of Switzerland’s finest vineyards, especially in the Lavaux region. The local white wine, Chasselas, is light and crisp — perfect for lakeside evenings. Though I didn’t stop to taste today, I passed terraced rows of vines climbing steeply above the lake — a sign that even here, nature and culture are in quiet harmony.

Further south, the small town of Aigle (my home for the night) offers its own historic charm and even hosts a Swiss Wine Museum inside its castle. Me, I will be having my nightly tipple in the down town area,

As I reflect on this leg of the trip, I’ve been thinking about travel as a kind of Agile process. No set itinerary, just flexible goals and daily “iterations” based on weather, energy, and inspiration. It’s amazing how much value comes from adjusting in real time — whether it’s discovering a concert, a new bakery or simply pausing to watch the stillness of the water!