Basic info for the day
- Return along the wild Matter-Vispa Valley as far as Visp, then journey down the gentle valley of the Rhone River and across the language border into French-speaking Switzerland.
- The Rhone River valley is the largest wine producing area on the country; generations of handwork have created terraced vineyards up the south-facing slopes of the surrounding mountains; apple and apricot orchards line the valley floor.
- Enjoy a 4 hour stop-over in the “Swiss Riviera” resort town of Montreux - follow Dave on his exclusive "Music Walk", then visit the famous castle of Chillon or visit a former World War 2 bunker now a museum.
- In the afternoon continue the journey through the manicured Préalp area of the canton of Fribourg.
- In preparation for the fondue and raclette dinner, take a self-guided tour through the cheese factory before taking the bus up to the quaint medieval village of Gruyères, the end point for today.
Key info on MONTREUX
Location - eastern shore of Lake Geneva in view of the French Alps across the lake.
Capital of the "Swiss Riviera"
Population - 26,000; 44% of residents are foreigners
Climate - exceptionally mild; plants associated with the Mediterranean and tropics (like cypresses and palm trees) grow well here.
Belle Epoque - city gained fame as a resort in 18-19th centuries - many old "belle époque" style hotels and buildings in French style.
Centre for private education - 4 private international boarding schools and 3 private hotel schools located in or close to the city
Jazz Festival - since 1967 hosts the annual Montreux Jazz Festival at beginning of July; has since expanded to include pop and rock music.
Notable residents past and present - Charlie Chaplin, James Mason, Ernest Hemingway, Noel Coward, Zelda Fitzgerald, Graham Greene, Vladimir Nobokov, Igor Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Shania Twain
Key info on GRUYÈRES
A beautifully preserved fortified medieval hilltop village, not to be confused with the cheese known as 'Le Gruyère' which also originated in the area.
Located in the French-speaking canton of Fribourg
Population: approx. 2,200 (village and surrounds)
Name derives from the French "Grue" or crane, the town's heraldic symbol.
History - village dates from the 13th century when the Count of Gruyères built his castle at the top of the hill to control the upper Saanen River Valley, and the village developed around it. The village has been unaffected by time and takes pride in its exceptional art and cultural exhibitions.