All answers
214 questions, each answered from an official page read on 3 October 2026.
Christmas market
- When is the Montreux Christmas market in 2026?
- From Friday 20 November to Thursday 24 December 2026.
- What are the opening hours of the Christmas market?
- Chalets: Monday to Wednesday 11:00–21:00, Thursday and Friday 11:00–22:00, Saturday 10:00–22:00, Sunday 10:00–20:00. Restaurants: 11:00–23:00 every day. On 24 December everything closes at 17:00.
- Is the Christmas market open on 24 December?
- Yes, from 11:00 to 17:00. It is the last day.
- Is the Christmas market free?
- Yes. The quays, the chalets and the street entertainment, including the Flying Santa, are free. Only some activities need a ticket, such as the Ferris wheel and Santa’s House.
- Where is the Christmas market?
- On the lakeside quays of Montreux, 200 m from the train station.
- What time does the Flying Santa fly?
- Monday to Friday at 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00. Saturday and Sunday also at 16:00. On 24 December at 16:00 and 17:00.
- Where is the best place to watch the Flying Santa?
- On the quay between the Freddie Mercury statue and the Ferris wheel. Santa takes off between the CGN boat landing stage and the Market Square.
- How much is the Ferris wheel at the Christmas market?
- CHF 8. It stands on the Market Square.
- How do I visit Santa’s House at Rochers-de-Naye?
- With one package that covers the cogwheel train from Montreux station (about 55 minutes each way) and the visit. Allow about 1.5 hours on site on weekdays and up to 3 hours at weekends. Tickets have been on sale since 15 September 2026.
- Is Santa’s House suitable for small children?
- The organiser does not recommend it under 3 years old, because of the altitude of 2,042 m.
- What is Santa’s Flying Cruise?
- A 45-minute boat loop from Montreux past Chillon Castle to Villeneuve and back, with a ticket. You watch the Flying Santa from the boat.
- Can I pay with cash at the Christmas market?
- Mostly no. The market is cashless: card or Twint. Cash is accepted only in the restaurants and at one mulled-wine stand. With cash only, you can load a prepaid QR card at the Info Point.
- Is American Express accepted at the Christmas market?
- No. All cards are accepted except American Express.
- How does the cup deposit work at the Christmas market?
- Every cup carries a CHF 2 deposit. You get it back by returning the cup to one of the dedicated stands.
- When is the Christmas market least crowded?
- The organiser names Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays as the quiet days. Weekends are very busy; on a Saturday, come in the morning.
- Are dogs allowed at the Christmas market?
- Yes, on a short lead. The organiser advises against the crowded weekend hours.
- Can I bring a stroller to the Christmas market?
- Yes. The quays are flat. Weekend afternoons are crowded, so mornings are easier.
- Is the Christmas market accessible with a wheelchair?
- Yes. The quays are flat and accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Can I book a table at a Christmas market restaurant?
- Only for groups of 8 or more.
- Is the Christmas market open when it rains?
- Yes. It stays open in rain or snow, and the Flying Santa flies in the rain too.
- How do I get to the Christmas market?
- By train: the station is 200 m away and the organiser recommends it. By car, follow the signs to the park-and-ride car parks; free shuttles run at weekends.
Montreux Riviera Card
- What is the Montreux Riviera Card?
- A free card for guests who stay overnight in the region. It gives free travel on public transport and reductions of 20 to 50% on museums, trains and cruises.
- Who gets the Montreux Riviera Card?
- Guests who book a night in one of the region’s hotels, holiday accommodations, B&Bs or campsites. It is financed by the tourist tax.
- How do I get my Montreux Riviera Card?
- By e-mail three days before you arrive, or from your host when you arrive.
- How much does the Montreux Riviera Card cost?
- Nothing extra. It is financed by the tourist tax you pay with your stay.
- Is Chillon Castle cheaper with the Riviera Card?
- Yes, 50% off. The same reduction applies to Fort de Chillon, Chaplin’s World, the Alimentarium and other museums.
- Does the Riviera Card cover the Rochers-de-Naye train?
- It gives 20% off the Montreux – Rochers-de-Naye train. The same 20% applies to the Vevey – Les Pléiades train, Glacier 3000, Maison Cailler and the Riviera Tour cruise.
- Is the bus free with the Riviera Card?
- Yes. The card gives free travel on public transport. The tourist office page does not state the zones: ask your host before a longer trip.
- What is free with the Riviera Card?
- Public transport, Queen – The Studio Experience, and entry to the Casino Barrière Montreux.
Parking
- How much is parking in Montreux?
- On the street, CHF 2 an hour in the centre and CHF 1.60 in the other paid zones. The Marché-Forum car park starts at CHF 1 an hour and the Chailly park-and-ride at CHF 0.80. These are the rates the Commune announced in June 2023.
- Is parking free in Montreux in the evening?
- On the street, yes: from 19:00, and also from 12:00 to 13:30.
- Is parking free in Montreux on Sunday?
- Not in the town centre: Sundays and public holidays are paid there.
- Where is the cheapest parking in Montreux?
- The Chailly park-and-ride, from CHF 0.80 an hour, then the Marché-Forum underground car park, from CHF 1 an hour.
- Where can I see free parking spaces in Montreux?
- On parkings-riviera.ch, the site the Commune points to for free spaces in real time, opening hours and rates.
Living in Montreux
- What are the opening hours of the Population Office in Montreux?
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00–14:30, Wednesday 8:00–16:00. Avenue des Alpes 18, phone 021 962 78 50.
- Where is the Population Office in Montreux?
- Avenue des Alpes 18, 1820 Montreux. Phone 021 962 78 50, e-mail [email protected].
- How do I announce a move in Montreux?
- Online, with a citizen account on the Commune’s virtual counter (guichet virtuel). The same account lets you order certificates.
- How do I order a certificate of residence in Montreux?
- Online, with a citizen account on the Commune’s virtual counter. Certificates for the regional employment office (ORP) are free and can be requested by e-mail.
- How do I renew a C permit in Montreux?
- Through the renewal link on the Population page of the Commune’s site. We have not read the procedure behind that link; the Population Office answers on 021 962 78 50.
- What are the opening hours of the Commune of Montreux?
- General administration: Monday to Friday 8:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:30. Grand-Rue 73, phone +41 21 962 77 77. The Population Office has its own hours.
- Where is the waste disposal centre in Montreux?
- The Foges centre (déchèterie des Foges), Route des Châtaigniers 13bis, in Chailly. It serves households and businesses of Montreux and Veytaux.
- What are the opening hours of the waste disposal centre?
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00; Wednesday 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00; Saturday 9:00–16:00 without a break. Closed on Sunday, Monday and public holidays.
- Do I need a card for the waste disposal centre?
- Yes. Each household in Montreux and Veytaux receives a free household card (carte Ménage). A lost card is replaced for CHF 20; a faulty one is replaced free.
- What is the Montreux resident card?
- A digital card (carte habitant·e) for people who live in Montreux. It proves that you live in the commune and gives offers at partner shops and restaurants. You download it from the virtual counter with your citizen account. It does not replace the waste centre card.
- How much is a resident parking permit in Montreux?
- CHF 300 a year since 1 January 2024. The application is made online with Sécurité Riviera (securite-riviera.ch).
- Can Montreux residents get cheap day passes for the boat?
- Yes. CGN day cards for residents are available at the tourist office from the end of March to the end of November: CHF 45 in first class for an adult instead of CHF 90, and CHF 22.50 for children aged 6 to 16 and half-fare holders.
- How do I get an SBB day pass through the Commune?
- Check availability on cartejournaliere-commune.ch, then collect the pass at the Montreux tourist office. The quota is now national, not per commune. Information: 0848 86 84 84.
Waste and recycling
- When are the mobile waste collection points open?
- On Wednesdays from 14:30 to 18:30 and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:30, at a different place each time. They are for households.
- Where do the mobile waste collection points stop?
- Nine places in turn: Montreux (Av. Nestlé 14), Clarens (Rue du Torrent 24), Territet (Ch. du Bocherex 15), Veytaux (Rue du They 1), Glion (Rte de Caux 41), Caux (Ch. de la Patinoire), Chernex (Ch. Sous Villaz), Les Avants (Rte de Sonloup 1) and Vallon de Villard (Rte du Vallon 3). The dates for each place are on the Commune’s page.
- How do I get bulky waste collected in Montreux?
- The Commune runs a pick-up on appointment, usually on Mondays. It costs CHF 80 for up to 3 m³, about a five-seat sofa. Book at least 15 days ahead, by phone; the number is on the Commune’s page. It is for residents of Montreux and Veytaux only, not for businesses.
- Is bulky waste collection free for anyone?
- Yes, for people who receive disability insurance (AI), social assistance (RI) or supplementary benefits (PC). For everyone else it costs CHF 80.
- How must bulky waste be prepared for collection?
- Put it at the roadside, packed in boxes and sorted by type (metal, crockery, plastics, textiles). Bin bags are refused, except the Commune’s white taxed bag. Demolition items such as doors, kitchens or toilets are not taken.
- Where do I find the waste collection calendar for Montreux?
- On the waste guide platform info-tri.ch/montreux, which the Commune links to. It has the 2026 collection calendar, the ecopoints, door-to-door container collections and what the waste centre accepts.
- Where is the nearest ecopoint in Montreux?
- The Commune publishes a map of collection sectors and ecopoints, and the waste guide platform info-tri.ch/montreux lists them by address.
- Where can I buy a waste container in Montreux?
- From Quincaillerie Riviera SA, Avenue Nestlé 25, Vevey (021 922 25 30). Plastic containers cost CHF 70 for 140 or 240 litres, CHF 140 for 360 litres and CHF 385 for 770 litres. Delivery, labelling and taking back the old container are free.
- Who do I contact about waste in Montreux?
- The Sustainability and Public Spaces service, Route de Brent 6, 1816 Chailly-Montreux, 021 989 87 20. Open 7:30–12:00 and 13:00–16:00.
Pools and beaches
- What are the opening hours of the Maladaire swimming pool?
- From September to June: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00–21:00, Wednesday 6:30–20:00, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 8:30–17:30. In July and August the weekend hours are 10:00–19:00. The pools must be cleared 30 minutes before closing.
- How much is the Maladaire swimming pool?
- Full price: adults CHF 7.50; apprentices, students and AVS/AI pensioners CHF 5.50; children CHF 4. Residents’ price: adults CHF 5.50, reduced CHF 4, children CHF 2.50.
- How do Montreux residents get the cheaper pool price?
- With a resident’s card for the pool (carte indigène), sold at the pool cash desk for CHF 5. Phone 021 964 57 03.
- When is the Maladaire pool closed in 2026?
- Technical closure from 5 to 11 October 2026. Also closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December 2026 and on 1 and 2 January 2027. On 6 November from 17:00 and on 7 November it hosts a water-polo tournament.
- Where is the Maladaire swimming pool?
- Chemin de la Maladaire 1, 1815 Clarens. It has one of the two indoor Olympic pools in the canton of Vaud, and lawns outside.
- Do I need a padlock at the Maladaire pool?
- Yes. Bring your own padlock for the lockers, or buy one on site for CHF 12.
- Is there one pass for several pools on the Riviera?
- Yes. One pass covers La Maladaire (Montreux), Corseaux-Plage (Vevey), Les Marines (Villeneuve) and Les Mousquetaires (La Tour-de-Peilz), as a yearly or a summer pass. It is sold at those pools and at the Villeneuve communal administration.
- Is there a free swimming pool in Montreux?
- Yes, two in summer. La Foge in Chailly is free and supervised by a lifeguard. The Bains de Clarens are free but not supervised.
- When is the La Foge pool open?
- In 2026 from 30 May to 13 September, on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 to 19:45. The water games stay open every day. On summer-holiday weekday afternoons (13:30–17:30) the park and pool are reserved for children enrolled in the open-air programme. Address: Chemin de la Foge 2, Chailly.
- When are the Bains de Clarens open?
- In 2026 from 30 May to 13 September, from 10:30 to 19:45; they may close early in bad weather. Entry is free and the water is not supervised. There is a diving board, a terrace, showers, a kiosk and a paddling area for small children. Port du Basset, Rue du Lac, Clarens.
- Is the Casino swimming pool free?
- No. It is on the Casino’s private ground and you pay to enter. It opens from 1 July, every day in good weather, from 10:00 to 20:00.
- Where is the beach in Montreux?
- The Pierrier beach, on the lake, with sand, grass, beach-volleyball courts and parking nearby. It is not supervised.
- Where can I take swimming lessons in Montreux?
- With the club Montreux Natation, which the Commune names for lessons at the Maladaire pool: 079 588 29 96, montreux-natation.ch.
Childcare and schools
- How do I register my child for a nursery in Montreux?
- On the Commune’s childcare portal, reme.montreux.ch. Five nurseries take children from 3 months until school, from 6:30 to 18:30. They are for children living in Montreux or Veytaux whose parents work, and the price depends on household income. Questions: [email protected].
- What are the playgroups (jardins d’enfants) in Montreux?
- Three communal playgroups: La Bergerette in Glion, La Trottinette in Clarens and La Ribambelle in Montreux. They take children from 30 months until school starts, from 8:00 to 12:00, for CHF 18 a morning. They close during school holidays. One parent with custody must live in Montreux or Veytaux.
- Is there emergency childcare in Montreux?
- Yes. The communal playgroups can take a child at short notice, for example for a medical visit or a job interview. You register with the emergency form on the Commune’s page.
- How do I find a childminder in Montreux?
- Through the Commune’s family day care, on reme.montreux.ch. Childminders take children from 3 months to 12 years, for families living in Montreux or Veytaux whose parents work. The price depends on household income. Questions: [email protected].
- How do I register for school lunch or supervised homework in Montreux?
- On the childcare portal reme.montreux.ch. The Communal School Office handles the school restaurants (La Cantine du Pavillon and Le Carambert), supervised homework and study, and transport certificates.
- What are the opening hours of the school office in Montreux?
- The Communal School Office (Bureau communal des écoles) is open Monday to Friday 8:00–12:00, and Wednesday 14:00–16:00. Avenue des Alpes 22, 021 962 78 33, [email protected].
- Which public schools are in Montreux?
- Two school establishments, Montreux-Ouest (epsmo.ch) and Montreux-Est (epsme.ch). The Commune also links to the Gymnase de Burier and the vocational school (epmvd.ch).
- Who can help if my child has difficulties at school in Montreux?
- The school–family social counsellors, attached to the Communal School Office. Parents contact them directly, for school difficulties but also for social, administrative or financial ones, or simply to understand the school system. Their contact details are on the Commune’s page.
- Are there free leisure centres for children in Montreux?
- Yes, two, from age 6, with no registration and mostly free activities: La Virgule (Rue de Jaman 8, Clarens, 021 962 80 22) and Le Point (Rue de la Gare 27, Montreux, 021 962 78 78). Children can eat a packed lunch there every day except Wednesday.
- When are the children’s leisure centres open?
- La Virgule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00–14:00 and 15:45–18:00; Wednesday 14:00–18:00. Le Point: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00; Wednesday 14:00–18:00; weekends according to the programme.
- Are there holiday day camps for children in Montreux?
- Yes. During school holidays, except summer and Christmas, the two leisure centres run free day camps without registration, for children from 6, Monday to Friday 10:00–16:00, lunch included. Lunch places are limited: sign up at the centre the same day from 10:00.
- Does Montreux help pay for children’s dental treatment?
- Yes. The Commune has an aid for dental treatment and one for orthodontic treatment, each with its own rules, requested online. Information: 021 962 78 30 or [email protected].
- Who do I contact about childcare and family services in Montreux?
- The Social Cohesion, Families and Youth service (SFJ), Avenue des Alpes 22, 021 962 78 30, [email protected]. Open 8:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00.
- Is there lunchtime care for primary school children in Montreux?
- Yes, the APEMS: lunchtime care on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with a meal, games and time for homework. It is for children in 1P to 6P at a Montreux-Veytaux school with a parent living in Montreux or Veytaux, and it closes during school holidays. Registration on reme.montreux.ch; questions to [email protected].
- Is there before and after school care in Montreux?
- Yes, three after-school units (UAPE): L’Optimist in Clarens, Scoubidou in Montreux and La Charmille in Chernex. They take children in 1P to 6P before and after class and at lunchtime, for working parents, at a price based on household income. Registration on reme.montreux.ch.
- What care is there for children in 7P and 8P?
- A supervised reception at the communal leisure centres, with a monitor who checks attendance: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 12:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00, for the Montreux-Est and Rambert schools. It is optional and costs CHF 5 for lunchtime and CHF 5 for the afternoon.
- Is supervised homework free in Montreux?
- Yes. Supervised homework and study are free and open to all from 4P, with limited places. It is a quiet place to work, not tutoring and not childcare. Primary (4P–6P): Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 15:45–16:45. Registration on reme.montreux.ch.
- Where can I see the school lunch menu in Montreux?
- On repas-montreux.kidelis.ch, which shows this week’s and next week’s menu.
- Does my child get free school transport in Montreux?
- Only if home is more than 2.5 km on foot from the school, counting 100 m of climb as 1 km. Those pupils get a free public-transport pass. The Commune publishes a map of the zones for each school. Children placed in another school at the parents’ request are not eligible.
- What is the holiday pass (Passeport vacances) in Montreux?
- One activity or outing a day during the seven weeks of the summer holidays, on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30–16:00 and Wednesday mornings. It is for children from 7 with a parent living in Montreux, Veytaux, Villeneuve, Chessel, Noville, Rennaz or Roche. A day costs CHF 40 and a half-day CHF 20, paid online at registration; there is no sibling discount. In 2026 it ran from 30 June to 13 August.
- Where do children meet for the holiday pass activities?
- At the leisure centre Le Point, Rue de la Gare 27, Montreux. Children are dropped off and collected only there, not at the place of the activity.
- Is there a summer afternoon programme for children in Montreux?
- Yes, the open-air space at La Foge in Chailly: every weekday afternoon of the summer holidays, 13:30–18:00, with pool, crafts and games, for children aged 6 to 10. A week costs CHF 20 for Montreux children and CHF 30 for Veytaux children.
- What is the Jaman 8 neighbourhood house?
- A community house of the Commune at Rue de Jaman 8, Clarens: lunchtime care for schoolchildren, the leisure centre La Virgule, and a sector open to everyone with social and cultural activities and rooms to rent. Reception 021 962 80 20, Monday to Friday 14:00–18:00; jaman8.ch.
Housing
- Can Montreux help me pay my rent?
- Possibly, if you have a dependent child. The individual housing aid is a direct contribution to the rent for Montreux households with children, under conditions set in a communal regulation. You apply online. Information: Communal Housing Office, 021 962 78 42.
- Who can get a subsidised flat in Montreux?
- A household where at least one adult has been registered in Montreux as main residence for two years without a break, or for two unbroken years within the last five. Or one where an adult registered for less than two years works mainly in Montreux when moving in.
- How do I apply for a subsidised flat in Montreux?
- The Commune publishes the list of vacant subsidised flats, updated every day. After a visit, you send your application to the letting agency, which chooses the tenant; the Housing Office then checks the conditions. On the day we read the page, no flat was vacant.
- Where is the Housing Office in Montreux?
- Avenue des Alpes 22, 1820 Montreux. Phone 021 962 78 42, [email protected].
Citizenship
- Who can apply for Swiss citizenship in Montreux?
- People who live in Montreux, have stayed at least ten years in Switzerland and hold a C permit. The full conditions are on the Canton of Vaud’s site.
- Where do I file a naturalisation application?
- With the Canton of Vaud, not the Commune: since 1 January 2018 the Canton receives the files and the forms are on its site. Once it has checked the basic conditions, it sends the file to the Commune of Montreux, which contacts you.
- How much does naturalisation cost in Montreux?
- The communal fee is CHF 350 for one person and CHF 450 for a couple or a family. Cantonal and federal fees come on top.
- Is there a test to become Swiss in Vaud?
- In principle yes: a general-knowledge test on Switzerland, the canton and the region, covering history, geography, political institutions and society. The Canton decides case by case whether to waive it, and publishes practice questions.
- Who decides on a naturalisation application?
- Three levels in turn. The Municipality of Montreux gives its opinion, then the Canton, and the Confederation takes the final decision.
- Who do I contact about naturalisation in Montreux?
- The naturalisation office, by e-mail: [email protected]. It sits with the general administration, Grand-Rue 73.
- I am Swiss: how do I become a citizen of Montreux?
- By asking for the bourgeoisie: a written request to the Municipality with your reasons, if you are already Vaudois. If you are Swiss from another canton, you apply for Vaud cantonal citizenship with the Canton’s form, after two years in the canton. The communal fee is CHF 100 in both cases.
Seniors
- What activities are there for seniors in Montreux?
- A seniors’ welcome with meals, tea dances, yoga and dance at the Jaman 8 neighbourhood house in Clarens, listed on its page.
- Is there a course to prepare for retirement near Montreux?
- Yes. The regional association for retirement preparation (ARPR), in Vevey, runs courses on the financial, health and social sides of retirement: arpr.ch, +41 76 426 60 07.
- Who helps seniors at home in Montreux?
- The Vaud Red Cross offers help with shopping and meals, company at home, transport for people with reduced mobility, and relief for family carers: 021 340 00 70.
- Where do I apply for supplementary benefits (PC) near Montreux?
- At the social insurance agency, Grand-Rue 50, 1814 La Tour-de-Peilz, +41 21 925 53 18. Supplementary benefits to AVS and AI can be granted when pensions and other income do not cover basic needs.
- Where can seniors in Vaud get information?
- Info Seniors Vaud, a platform for seniors, their relatives and professionals: 021 641 70 70, [email protected].
Health and emergencies
- Where is the nearest hospital to Montreux?
- The Riviera-Chablais Hospital in Rennaz, Route du Vieux Séquoia 20, 058 773 21 12. Its emergency department, for adults, children and maternity, is open 24 hours a day, every day.
- Is there a walk-in clinic near Montreux?
- Yes. The Riviera medical walk-in clinic in Vevey, Avenue de la Prairie 3, 058 773 21 46, for any medical problem such as small fractures, wounds, sprains or flu. A second one at Monthey hospital takes adults and children from age 4 without appointment, 8:00–20:00, seven days a week. The Commune’s page gives two different sets of days for Vevey, so check with the clinic.
- What are the emergency numbers in Montreux?
- Police 117, ambulance 144, fire 118, poisoning 145, help for victims of violence 142. Sécurité Riviera: +41 21 966 83 00.
- How do I find a doctor, dentist or pharmacy on duty?
- Call 0848 133 133, the on-call line for doctors, dentists and pharmacies.
- Who provides home care in Montreux?
- ASANTE SANA, the association for home help and home care of eastern Vaud (the CMS), for people who need lasting or temporary support at home.
- Who is in charge of police, ambulance and fire services in Montreux?
- Sécurité Riviera, an association of nine communes including Montreux. It runs Police Riviera, Ambulance Riviera, the fire and rescue service (SDIS) and civil protection, for about 80,000 residents.
- Where is my civil protection shelter in Montreux?
- Every resident has a protected place, in a private or a public shelter. The public shelters are shown on the Cartoriviera map linked from the Commune’s page. In case of danger the authorities alert by siren and through Alertswiss.
Getting around
- Does Montreux subsidise public-transport passes?
- Yes: CHF 350 towards a general public-transport pass (abonnement général). You apply online on the virtual counter.
- Does Montreux subsidise electric bikes?
- Yes: 20% of the price of a new electric bike or of an electric kit, on invoice. The bike must be bought from an approved dealer in the canton of Vaud, for your own use or for a family member living in Montreux. You apply online.
- Is there bike sharing in Montreux?
- Yes, eight communal stations: in Clarens at the Pierrier car park, Gambetta, the Basset harbour and the Maladaire car park; in Montreux at the tourist office, Quai des Fleurs and Petit Palais; and at the Territet landing stage. A day card costs CHF 10 for 24 hours. A yearly pass costs CHF 60, plus CHF 10 to register, with rides under 30 minutes free.
- Where can I pump up my bike tyres in Montreux?
- At four public pumps: the Maladaire car park, Montreux station (bike parking on the post office side), the Pierrier sports hall and the Place du Marché near the bus stop.
- Is there a place to repair my bike myself in Montreux?
- Yes, a participatory workshop run by Pro Vélo Riviera on the Clarens quay, below the Pierrier: every second Thursday evening from 18:30 to 20:00, from May to the end of September. Tools are provided and volunteers advise; you do the repair yourself.
- Where are the harbours in Montreux?
- The Basset harbour, Rue du Lac 143a, Clarens, and the Territet harbour, Rue de Bon-Port. A mooring is requested online from the Commune; boat registration is done with the Canton of Vaud.
Social help
- Who can I call if I am in difficulty in Vaud?
- The solidarity hotline (Centrale des solidarités), 0800 30 30 38, free and confidential, Monday to Friday 9:00–12:30 and 13:30–17:30. It is for all residents of the canton: money and debt, domestic violence, paperwork, isolation.
- Where is the social centre in Montreux?
- The regional social centre (CSR), Avenue Claude Nobs 14. Open Monday to Friday 8:00–11:45 and 14:00–16:00. It assesses the right to social assistance (revenu d’insertion), pays it, and gives personal support.
- Where is the social insurance agency in Montreux?
- The Agence d’assurances sociales (AAS), Avenue Claude Nobs 14. It informs on social insurance rights and helps fill in official forms for AVS, disability insurance and health-insurance subsidies. The Commune’s page gives two different timetables for its counters, so call before you go.
- Does Montreux give extra aid to AVS and AI pensioners?
- Yes, a communal complementary aid for people who meet the conditions of the cantonal supplementary benefits, with the option of a reduced-price bus card. People living in an institution are not eligible. You apply to the Social Cohesion, Families and Youth service.
- Is there free advice on migration and settling in near Montreux?
- Yes. An anonymous drop-in for anyone living in the Riviera–Pays-d’Enhaut district, Swiss or foreign: Wednesdays 13:00–15:00, without appointment, at the Jaman 8 neighbourhood house in Clarens.
- Where do people arriving from Ukraine register for S status near Montreux?
- At a federal asylum centre, within 90 days of arrival, not at the Montreux Population Office. The centre for French-speaking Switzerland is in Boudry (Neuchâtel). Children can be enrolled directly at the Montreux-Est school, Rue de la Gare 33, 021 557 17 70. The Commune has a dedicated line: +41 21 962 78 75, weekdays 9:00–12:00.
Library
- Where is the library in Montreux?
- The Montreux-Veytaux municipal library is on the ground floor of Cité-Centre, Grand’Rue 92, 021 963 33 29. It holds about 60,000 items: books, comics, magazines, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs and e-books. Opening hours are on the library’s own site.
- How much does it cost to join the Montreux library?
- CHF 20 to register. One account then lets you borrow free from both the library and the toy library.
- Is there a toy library in Montreux?
- Yes, La Ludo, Grand’Rue 90 in Cité-Centre, next to the library. It reopened on Wednesday 19 August and is open on Wednesday afternoons from 14:00 to 18:00 to begin with. It lends board games, toys, building games, retro video games, small vehicles and children’s costumes.
- How many games can I borrow from the toy library?
- With a personal account: two toys or games and one video game, for four weeks, renewable twice unless someone has reserved the item. Games are borrowed at the toy library but can be returned at the library.
Voting
- Can foreigners vote in Montreux?
- Yes, at communal level only. You must be 18, have lived in Switzerland without a break for at least the last 10 years, in the canton of Vaud for at least the last 3, live in Montreux with a B or C permit, and be on the electoral roll.
- Can foreign residents be elected in Montreux?
- Yes. Foreign residents who meet the voting conditions can stand for the communal council or the Municipality, and sign a communal initiative or referendum.
- How do I vote in Montreux?
- By post: A-mail until the Thursday before the vote, B-mail until the Tuesday. Or drop the envelope in the outside letterbox of the general administration, Grand-Rue 73, until 11:00 on voting Sunday. Or in person on voting Sunday from 9:00 to 11:00 at the polling stations in Clarens (Jaman 8) and Montreux (Montreux-Est school).
- When is the next vote in Montreux?
- The next federal voting day listed by the Commune is 29 November 2026.
- Where is the official notice board of Montreux?
- Avenue des Alpes 22. Only that physical board is authoritative; the Commune’s site shows the same notices: building permit applications, tree-felling requests, council decisions and vote results.
Other services
- How do I apply for a job at the Commune of Montreux?
- Through the “apply” button in each vacancy on the Commune’s jobs page. The Commune has about 400 employees in 50 trades and 30 young people in training. Human resources: Avenue des Alpes 18, 021 962 77 86, open 9:00–11:30 and 14:00–16:00.
- Is there a guide for new residents of Montreux in English?
- Yes. The Commune publishes a welcome brochure for new residents, with useful addresses, in French and in English, to download from its site.
- Where are the cemeteries in Montreux?
- There are three: Clarens (Avenue Eugène-Rambert 27), the largest, where Vladimir Nabokov and Oskar Kokoschka are buried; Glion (Route des Avants); and Territet (Avenue de Naye). The cemetery office is at the Clarens cemetery, 021 964 46 33.
- Can I rent a chalet or hut from the Commune of Montreux?
- Yes, for groups: a former military hut at Bretaye in the Villars ski area (47 beds), a chalet in Leysin (59 beds, closed for works until the end of 2026), a refuge in Caux for parties from May to October (100 people), and a room for 50 in the Vallon de Villard. Reservations: buildings service, 021 962 78 00.
- Can I buy firewood from the Commune of Montreux?
- Yes, from the communal forests, delivered to your home: hardwood or softwood, cut to 1 m, 50, 33 or 25 cm, while stocks last. Order at [email protected] or 021 962 78 00.
- Does the Commune of Montreux sell its own wine?
- Yes, to residents by subscription: Chasselas and Gamay of the new vintage in June, the blend in December. An order form is posted to every household. Information: 021 962 78 03.
Building and planning
- Do I need a building permit in Montreux?
- Ask the planning service before any work: it decides which of four procedures applies. A full public enquiry must be filed by a qualified architect or engineer. Minor projects can be exempted from public enquiry, authorised by the Municipality alone, or exempted from authorisation altogether.
- How much does a building permit cost in Montreux?
- For a permit granted: 1.5‰ of the construction cost, minimum CHF 100. A project exempted from public enquiry: a flat CHF 100. A demolition permit: 1‰ of the cost of the works, minimum CHF 100. Extending a permit: CHF 100. A refused or withdrawn permit is charged at half the rate.
- What do I need for a minor works authorisation in Montreux?
- A letter explaining the request, a cadastral extract or site plan showing where the project is, documents that make it clear (plans, sections, photos or dimensioned sketches), the written agreement of the neighbours directly concerned, and the signature of the owners. The Commune provides a form.
- How long does a public enquiry last in Montreux?
- 30 days. During that time the whole file can be consulted at the planning service, Tuesday to Friday. You can sign up on alertes-riviera.ch to get an e-mail for each new enquiry.
- Do I need a permit for solar panels in Montreux?
- You must first submit a file to the planning service, which decides whether a permit is needed. Panels that fit the roof well need no authorisation: on a pitched roof they must not stand more than 20 cm proud, not extend beyond the roof, be low-reflective and form one block. On the ground or on a façade the limit is 8 m².
- Do I need a permit for a heat pump in Montreux?
- Not for an air/water or air/air heat pump that meets the cantonal criteria (article 68c RLATC): you announce it with the cantonal form, a site plan and the technical sheet. Ground-source heat pumps and air conditioners still need an authorisation.
- Do I need permission to repaint my façade in Montreux?
- Yes. Colours and materials of façades, roofs, shutters, window frames, walls and fences need a municipal authorisation, even for a refresh in the same colour. You send the form, a sample of the colours or materials and photos of the façades.
- Do I need permission for a shop sign in Montreux?
- Yes. Any sign, sticker, flag, site board or banner, even temporary, needs an authorisation from the planning service, and a fee is charged. A communal regulation on signs has been in force since 15 November 2025, with a specific directive for Grand-Rue, Place du Marché and Avenue du Casino.
- When can I move into a new or converted building in Montreux?
- Only once the Municipality has issued the occupancy permit. You return the end-of-works sheet with the execution plans, the fire-protection declaration, the asbestos report and the energy conformity report; the health and safety commission then visits. The fee is 50% of the building permit fee, minimum CHF 50.
- How do I get a permit for scaffolding or digging on the street in Montreux?
- From the public works service, which issues excavation permits and permits to occupy the public domain (deposit or scaffolding), with online forms. Avenue de Belmont 25 bis, 021 962 77 30; counter without appointment Monday to Friday 8:00–11:30.
- Where is the planning service in Montreux?
- Service de l’urbanisme, Avenue de Belmont 25 bis, 021 962 77 60, [email protected]. Open Tuesday to Friday 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–16:00, closed on Monday.
- Can I advertise in the Marché-Forum car park?
- Yes. The Commune rents poster spaces there: from CHF 600 a year for an F4 panel to CHF 3,600 a year for an illuminated F12 box on level 0. The car park counts about 600,000 entries a year. Requests: [email protected].
Sport and outdoors
- Is there a free outdoor gym in Montreux?
- Yes. About ten fitness machines at the Pierrier in Clarens, open to everyone at any time, and an exercise bench on the Quai Ami-Chessex in Territet.
- Where can I go running in Montreux?
- On the Helsana Trails, three marked routes from the Saussaz sports complex in Chailly: blue 2.61 km, green 5.43 km and yellow 9.93 km. The complex also has a six-lane athletics track.
- Where can I play beach volleyball in Montreux?
- On two courts at the Pierrier beach, Rue du Torrent, Clarens. Access is free and they cannot be booked.
- Where can I play pétanque in Montreux?
- On free outdoor pitches at the Pierrier beach (lit until 22:00), on the Quai Ami-Chessex in Territet and in the Vieux Clarens park. There is also a covered boulodrome in Chailly, used by the clubs in winter.
- Where are the public table-tennis tables in Montreux?
- In ten places, among them the Parc Donner, the Pierrier beach, the Territet harbour, the Vieux Clarens park, the Glion village park and the Les Avants playground. The Commune’s page lists them all.
- Is there free sport for young people on Sundays in Montreux?
- Yes, Open Sport: free sports sessions with trained monitors, from age 9 and without registration, on Sundays from November to April. Last season it ran from 2 November 2025 to 26 April 2026, at the Montreux-Est halls (14:00–16:00) and the Vinet school (18:00–19:00).
- Is there a free fitness class in Montreux?
- Yes, Urban Training: free sessions using street furniture, every Monday at 18:30, starting from the covered market. No session on 28 September and 5 October 2026.
- Does Montreux help low-income families pay for a sports club?
- Yes. Children of parents on a modest income, living in Montreux for at least a year, can get a subsidy for regular sport in a club recognised by the Commune. Sport office: Rue du Temple 11, 021 962 78 93.
- Is there a grant for young elite athletes in Montreux?
- Yes, for athletes aged 14 to 25 who hold a Swiss Olympic card, have lived in Montreux for at least a year, belong to a Montreux club and are licensed with a Swiss federation.
- Is there a skate park in Montreux?
- Yes, the Empire Skate Building, Rue du Marché 19: 1,200 m² indoors with a mini ramp. Details on empireskatebuilding.ch.
- Where is the Montreux golf course?
- Not in Montreux: the Golf Club Montreux course is in Aigle. Montreux itself has a minigolf.
- Who do I contact about sport in Montreux?
- The sport and facilities office, Rue du Temple 11, 021 962 78 93, [email protected].
Winter sports
- Where can I go sledging near Montreux?
- At Les Avants: from 15 December to 15 March, snow permitting, the road from Sonloup to Les Avants becomes a 2.5 km sledge run. You go up by a funicular dating from 1910. Sledging is free at the Haut-de-Caux snow garden and on the Prévondes run in the Vallon de Villard.
- When is the Les Avants sledge run open?
- Every day from 9:00 to 19:30, weather permitting, and until 22:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
- How much does sledging at Les Avants cost?
- Funicular, one ride: CHF 5 for adults, CHF 2.50 for children and holders of a GA or half-fare card. Funicular day ticket: CHF 15 for adults, CHF 7 for children. Sledge hire: CHF 10. Tickets are bought at the MOB machine outside Les Avants station.
- When can I rent a sledge at Les Avants?
- Wednesday 14:00–21:00, Friday 16:00–21:00, Saturday 9:30–21:00, Sunday 9:30–18:00, and on Vaud school-holiday days. No hire on other days. Sledges go back by 18:30, or 21:30 on night-sledging evenings.
- Is there an ice rink in Montreux?
- Two. A synthetic rink of 450 m² at the Vinet school in Clarens, with free entry and free skate hire; last season it ran from 6 December 2025 to 22 February 2026, every day 13:00–18:00. And a natural rink in Caux, open from mid-December to mid-March. The dates for the coming season were not yet on the Commune’s page when we read it.
- When is the Caux ice rink open and what does it cost?
- Wednesday 14:00–18:00, Friday 17:00–22:00, Saturday and Sunday 13:00–18:00, and 13:00–18:00 in school holidays. Children CHF 3, adults CHF 5, skate hire CHF 3. It is a few minutes’ walk from Caux station.
- Can I ski above Montreux?
- Yes, on small areas reached only by train: Jaman and Rochers-de-Naye, with drag lifts and beginners’ rope tows. Last season they opened from 13 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, Wednesday to Sunday 8:30–16:00. A day without the train cost CHF 20 for adults and CHF 12 for children; with the train CHF 35 and CHF 18. The Magic Pass is valid, train included.
- Is there a cheap ski slope for beginners near Montreux?
- Yes, Les Prévondes in the Vallon de Villard, at 1,000 m: a 400 m rope tow, a beginners’ fun park, a sledge run and a snack bar, run by volunteers. Day pass CHF 5, season CHF 50; free parking. Open Wednesday 13:00–16:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–16:00, from 2 January to the end of March, snow permitting.
- Does Montreux subsidise the Magic Pass for children?
- Yes: CHF 100 per child pass for the 2026–27 season, for young people living in Montreux. Apply on the virtual counter before 31 December 2026.
- Is there a cheap ski day pass for students in Montreux?
- Yes. Apprentices and students can buy a CHF 19 day pass that covers the train and the lifts of Caux, Jaman and Rochers-de-Naye, at Montreux or Glion station.
- Where can I go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing near Montreux?
- From Haut-de-Caux, a 5 km return winter path on the Jaman road, open to walkers, snowshoes and cross-country skis. In the Vallon de Villard, a flat 1.5 km cross-country loop when there is snow. At Orgevaux, a free 6.9 km snowshoe loop of about 3 hours, with free parking; no equipment hire on site.
Culture
- Which museums are in Montreux?
- The Commune lists the Musée de Montreux, founded in 1874, in the old town, on local history from prehistory to today; the Blonay–Chamby railway museum with its historic trains; the Maison Visinand cultural centre, in a house of 1592; and the Musée Ruzo, contemporary art, open on request only.
- Where is the theatre in Montreux?
- The Théâtre Montreux Riviera, Rue du Pont 32, in the old town, dedicated to comedy. Programme and tickets on theatre-tmr.ch.
- Where is the cinema in Montreux?
- The Hollywood cinema, Grand-Rue 90–92, with two screens (156 and 210 seats), showing films in French and in original version. Phone 021 965 15 62; programme on cinerive.com.
- Can Montreux residents get cheaper cinema tickets?
- Yes: a 10-film pass for the Hollywood cinema at CHF 100 instead of CHF 120, sold at the cinema desk or at the tourist office information point on the quays.
- Is there a culture discount for people on a low income in Montreux?
- Yes, a booklet of three vouchers a year, each giving 50% off an entry to a cultural or sports event. It is for Montreux residents who receive a subsidy for compulsory health insurance. Information: regional social action agency, Avenue Claude Nobs 14, 021 962 78 37.
- Does Montreux subsidise music or dance lessons for children?
- Yes, for parents living in Montreux for at least a year whose school-age children attend the Conservatoire Montreux-Vevey-Riviera, the Cadets de Montreux music school, two named dance schools or the Maison Visinand theatre courses. The amount depends on family income.
Organising an event
- Do I need permission to organise an event in Montreux?
- Yes. Every event on communal territory must be announced and approved by the Commune, and the formal authorisation comes from Sécurité Riviera. The request goes through the cantonal online form (Pocama), at least one month before the first day.
- Who do I call to use a public place for an event in Montreux?
- For the public domain: 021 962 77 75. For the Place du Marché and the covered market: 021 962 78 04. For sports facilities: 021 962 78 00. General questions: the events office, 021 962 77 68, [email protected].
- Do I need a permit for an event in a hotel or private venue in Montreux?
- Yes. Events on private ground, such as hotels, restaurants or private halls, also go through the Pocama form; the Commune gives an opinion depending on the type of event and Sécurité Riviera issues the authorisation.
Holiday rentals and tourist tax
- Do I have to declare an Airbnb in Montreux?
- Yes. Letting a holiday home or a room is subject to a compulsory declaration, made with a single online form. Being listed on Airbnb or another platform does not replace it. Questions: [email protected].
- Who pays the tourist tax in Montreux?
- The guest, for each night and each person, in a hotel, guest room, youth hostel, serviced apartment, campsite, rented villa, flat or room, or on a boat in a harbour. The guest pays the host, who passes it on to the intercommunal tourist-tax commission. Second-home owners also pay a tax.
- Can second-home owners get the Montreux Riviera Card?
- Yes, under conditions, for the owner and their spouse only. You ask the tourist-tax commission by letter, e-mail or online at least 5 working days before the start date; the card is sent to the holiday home.
- How much does a visitor berth cost at the Basset harbour?
- CHF 20 for the first day and CHF 15 a day after that, plus CHF 5 tourist tax per person aged 16 or over per night; payment by Twint or cash. There are 18 visitor places, without reservation, for at most 3 nights in a row between 15 June and 15 September and 30 nights a year.
Energy subsidies
- Does Montreux give subsidies for solar panels or heating?
- Yes, from the communal energy and sustainability fund, for residents and businesses whose project is in the commune: solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, wood heating, heat pumps, Minergie, energy audits and electric bikes. Each has an online request. Read the conditions first.
- How long does a Montreux energy subsidy take?
- It can take several months. The fund is in heavy demand, the budget does not cover every request at once, and files go on a waiting list in order of arrival.
- Who do I contact about energy subsidies in Montreux?
- The energy office, Rue du Temple 11, 021 962 78 09, [email protected]. The Commune’s page also links to the cantonal buildings programme and the federal subsidies.
Authorities and offices
- Who governs the Commune of Montreux?
- The Municipality, the executive, has seven members. The current one took office on 1 July 2026 and stays until 30 June 2031. The communal council, the legislature, has 100 members elected for five years; its presidency changes every year.
- How many seats does each party have on the Montreux communal council?
- Out of 100: PLR 37, Socialist Party 29, UDC 12, Greens 9, décroissance alternatives 7, Montreux Libre 6.
- When does the Montreux communal council meet?
- The remaining sittings of 2026 are on 7 October, 11 November, 9 December and 10 December. Its decisions are published on the official notice board.
- What does the Population Office in Montreux handle?
- Arrivals and departures, changes of address, births and deaths, marriages and divorces, residence permits, identity cards, certificates, dog registration and second-home residents. It records about 130,000 changes a year.
- Where do I register a dog in Montreux?
- At the Population Office, Avenue des Alpes 18, 021 962 78 50, or through your citizen account on the virtual counter.
- Where are the Montreux communal archives?
- Avenue Alexandre-Vinet 8, Clarens. Open to the public Monday to Thursday 9:00–17:00, by appointment: 021 962 79 77, [email protected].
- Where is the finance office of Montreux?
- Service des finances, Avenue des Alpes 18, 021 962 77 90, [email protected]. Open to the public 9:00–11:30 or by appointment.
- Where is the tourist tax office for Montreux?
- The intercommunal tourist-tax commission, Avenue des Alpes 18, +41 21 962 79 53, [email protected]. Open 9:00–11:30 or by appointment. Its regulation exists in French, English and German.
- Can I get my Montreux communal bills by e-mail?
- Yes. You fill in the online consent form and attach a copy of a valid identity document. Property owners add a second form.
- Where is the public works office in Montreux?
- Service des travaux publics, Avenue de Belmont 25 bis, 021 962 77 30, [email protected]. Counter without appointment Monday to Friday 8:00–11:30; by phone or appointment also 13:30–16:00. It handles roads, street lighting, drainage, harbours and permits to use the public domain.
- Who do I tell about a broken street light in Montreux?
- The public works service, which is in charge of street lighting: 021 962 77 30, [email protected].
Villages and nature
- Which villages make up Montreux?
- About twenty. The Commune presents Brent, Caux, Chailly, Chamby, Chernex, Clarens, Glion, Les Avants, Tavel, Territet, the Old Town and Villard-sur-Chamby. Several have their own development society.
- What is Caux?
- The highest village of Montreux, at 1,200 m, reached by train, with ski and cross-country runs and a natural ice rink in winter and walks to the Dent de Jaman and Rochers-de-Naye in summer. The Caux Palace has belonged since 1946 to the foundation Initiatives of Change Switzerland, which holds the Caux Forum there each summer.
- What is Les Avants known for?
- A village at 1,000 m, at the geographical centre of the commune: narcissus fields in May and the sledge run in winter. The MOB railway reached it in 1901 and the funicular to Sonloup opened on 9 December 1910.
- What is the Old Town of Montreux?
- The former villages of Les Planches on one side and Sâles, Chêne and Crin on the other, joined by a bridge over the Baye de Montreux. It has the Saint-Vincent church, the Maison Visinand, the theatre and the museum. Since 1616 part of it has drunk the water of the Maralley springs.
- How do I find out about roadworks and road closures in Montreux?
- The Commune lists current works and closures on its roadworks page and map. You can sign up on alertes-riviera.ch for an e-mail on each new disruption.
- Is the Jaman road from Caux open?
- No. Because of tree felling, the Jaman road from the Caux car park is closed to traffic from 5 October 2026 to 9 May 2027.
- Where are the playgrounds and parks in Montreux?
- On the map on the Commune’s page, which shows every park and playground, and on villesfleuries.ch.
- What do I do if I find an Asian hornet nest in Montreux?
- Keep about 5 m away, take a photo, note the place and report it on frelonasiatique.ch. Reporting a nest is compulsory for owners under a Vaud order of 25 March 2026. Professionals then come, and the Commune pays the full cost, on public or private ground. Never destroy a nest yourself.
- How do I report a tiger mosquito in Vaud?
- Take a sharp photo from above, keep the insect if you can, and report it on zanzare-svizzera.ch. To stop it breeding, empty open containers of standing water at least once a week and do not use insecticides.
- How much of Montreux is forest?
- 44% of the commune, 1,500 hectares, of which 1,000 belong to the Commune. They are mainly protection forests, against rockfall, landslides and avalanches. The communal sawmill at Les Avants also cuts small quantities for private customers.