Vevey

Vevey occupies a stunning spot facing the Savoy Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva. According to its inhabitants, it is just as lively all year long as its illustrious big sister, Montreux. Known above all as the cradle of the powerful multinational Nestlé, it has also been dubbed the "city of image": in addition to a prestigious school of photography, it was also the home of Charlie Chaplin. A statue stands at the lake's edge in tribute to the great artist.

Vevey is one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera”. Its lakeside location with breathtaking views of the Alpine panorama, its extraordinarily mild climate, the vineyards, numerous excursion destinations in the region and proud paddlewheel steamers on the lake characterise this town by Lake Geneva.

Vevey experienced its first heyday in the belle époch period at the end of the 19th century. Even today, majestic hotels and a flower-bedecked lakeside promenade lined with palm trees continue to serve as reminders of this age. But Vevey is also a modern, regional centre which is headquarters to Nestlé, the international Food and Beverage Group. Its most famous inhabitant was probably the comedian Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last twenty five years of his life here. A monument dedicated to him stands on the lakeshore.

The ski region of Les Pléiades is ideally suited to families because of its gentle slopes. Three circular cross-country ski trails of 3.7 and 10 km in length lead through hills and forests. The snow-covered meadows of the foothills to the Alps also invite visitors to enjoy snow-shoe walks. The Les Avants-Sonloup funicular railway leads to a 2.3-km-long toboggan run.

In addition to water sports, the Lake Geneva Riviera is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise. The region lends itself to exploration by bicycle on various circular routes. A popular downhill route leads from the Les Pléiades ‘lookout’ mountain (1360 m) above Vevey down into the valley. True to its name, the mountain is home to the «AstroPléiades» astronomical trail and an observatory. Les Pléiades with their stunning views across the Waadtland Riviera, Lake Geneva and Alps are also famous for the wild daffodils which flower here on the spring meadows in practically unlimited numbers. A cog railway («Train des Etoiles») leads up from Vevey.

On the north-eastern shore of Lake Geneva, Vevey offers mountain views at every turn. For the most picturesque stroll, head to the town’s lakeside, tree-lined promenade (Quai Perdonnet). It passes along the old town and by some of the town’s museums – plus a couple of tiny parks. Keep an eye out for the bronze Chaplin statue (near the Alimentarium food museum), as well as the huge silver fork sculpture rising out of the lake.

Musée Jenisch Vevey is a small, eclectic museum specialises in prints and drawings from Swiss and international artists, with a collection that spans from the 16th to the 21st century. It also has the world’s largest collection of art by Viennese expressionist Oskar Kokoschka. Of particular interest are works by Alechinsky, Courbet, Dürer, Hodler, Picasso, Rembrandt and Vallotton. The 120-year-old building that houses the collection is a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture.

Les 11 Terres, Vevey in Switzerland is a local favourite, this wine bar is worth the 10-minute drive out of Vevey. Amid the Lavaux vineyards, it serves up the area’s largest selection of local vintages (many not usually available by the glass). It’s a wonderful way to sample the region’s wines. It also has a superb range of meats, honey and cheese from local farms. It’s not unusual to run into one of the wine-makers from a nearby winery regaling guests with tales of the harvest while acting as bartender for the day. If unsure what to order, try a glass of chasselas; this refreshing white varietal is the darling of the Swiss wine world.

Ze Fork is a rustic cafe in a historic mansion offers casual Swiss dining at its best – and takes its name from the famous fork sculpture just a few metres away. The menu changes daily but its “3-ways” tapas-style concept remains constant. For example, the menu item “La Mer” will highlight three different kinds of seafood, each with its own innovative touch (from €18). While the food is amazing, Ze Fork’s terraces, which border the restaurant on two sides and face the lake, are possibly its biggest draw – and explains why the restaurant is always busy (reservation advised).

If there is only room for one souvenir … make it a box of Läderach chocolates. Not widely known, or available, outside of Switzerland, the family-run company is highly regarded among connoisseurs: Elias Läderach won the title of 2018 World Chocolate Master. The shop also offers a variety of chocolate-making workshops (there’s even one for kids, £20 for one hour) and tasting seminars (£20pp).

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