Montreux: The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehks-kew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ahp-uh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ahp-uh-lay uh may-duh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zheh-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhewst]
• How much is it?C'est combien?
  [say kohm-byen]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Montreux's history dates back to the Roman era, when the region was part of the Helvetic Republic. Archaeological findings indicate that Roman settlements existed in the area, benefiting from its strategic position along the route connecting Italy to the north of Europe. The name 'Montreux' is derived from the Latin 'Monasterium', indicating the presence of early monastic communities.

During the medieval period, Montreux was part of the domain of the Counts of Savoy. The area was known for its vineyards and agriculture, which flourished under the feudal system. The iconic Château de Chillon, a medieval fortress situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, served as a vital defensive structure and residence for the counts.

In 1536, Montreux came under the control of the Protestant Bernese during the Reformation. This period marked significant religious and cultural changes, including the spread of Protestantism and the introduction of new administrative practices. The Bernese influence lasted until the French Revolutionary Wars in the late 18th century.

The 19th century brought a transformation to Montreux, with the advent of the Belle Époque era. The completion of the Simplon Tunnel and the arrival of the railway in 1861 turned Montreux into a popular destination for the European elite. Grand hotels, luxurious villas, and casinos sprang up, attracting artists, writers, and royalty. This period laid the foundation for Montreux's reputation as a premier resort town.

One of Montreux's most significant cultural contributions is the Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs. Originally focusing on jazz, the festival has expanded to include a diverse range of musical genres and artists. Held annually in July, it has become one of the world's most renowned music festivals, drawing international crowds and legendary performers.

Today, Montreux is a vibrant town that harmoniously blends its rich history with contemporary culture. It remains a sought-after destination for tourists, known for its stunning landscapes, cultural festivals, and historical landmarks. The town continues to celebrate its heritage while embracing modernity, making it a unique and dynamic place to visit.

Montreux is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Geneva International Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Montreux, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can reach Montreux from Zurich International Airport by train, which takes around 2.5 hours. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides regular and efficient train services to Montreux from major cities in Switzerland.

Montreux has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. The Montreux-Oberland-Bernois (MOB) railway is particularly scenic, offering routes to nearby towns and attractions. Local buses are operated by VMCV and connect various parts of the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. If you prefer to drive, car rentals are an option, but parking can be limited and expensive in the city center.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Montreux, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and allow you to withdraw cash if needed. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Montreux is generally a very safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as train stations and tourist attractions. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it's always best to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Montreux has several medical facilities, including the Clinique La Prairie and local pharmacies for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The police station is centrally located and offers assistance to tourists if needed.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially in fine dining restaurants and cultural events. Casual clothing is acceptable for sightseeing. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and maintaining a quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do buy a valid ticket before boarding and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue and raclette. Don't tip excessively; a service charge is usually included in your bill.

To experience Montreux like a local, visit the local markets such as the Montreux Covered Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Geneva. Engage with locals at cafés and bistros, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city. Don't miss the annual Montreux Jazz Festival if you visit in July, as it attracts world-renowned artists and offers a unique cultural experience.