On my way home from Montreux I’d like to send you some warm greetings from this french-speaking city in Switzerland beautifully nestled on the shore of Lake Geneva.

Foremost, Montreux is world famous for its Jazz Festival that takes place every July here. It will be the 54th edition in 2020.

But it is December now and Christmas is the most present topic when you stroll along the shore where you find a Christmas market with a view and everything you fancy.

Some things are slightly different compared to the Christmas markets in the German-speaking parts of Switzerland. At least to my eye, because you can find seats now and then. Stalls selling vin chaud artisanal (hot spicy wine) and other drinks even offer you comfy covered seating with warm blankets. It is such a welcome treat. People here and in the Ticino are said to be more sociable, maybe that is the reason why they have these half or full outdoor ways of sitting (sometimes even around a table) together.

The choice of food is, as you can see, also quite mouth-watering. Bread filled with Fondue instead of a Wiener, cold plates with regional cheese and meat specialties, tartiflette – a mixture of hot potatoes, onions, bacon, and reblochon cheese -, Santa’s burger, raclette of course, pizza, crepes, churros, fudge, waffles, you name it ;-).

Here are some more impressions of what caught my eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

What’s more, I found some famous icons made from bronze, natural material, steel, and fairy lights. Do you know them all?

If not, let me know in the comments and I gladly give you a hint ;-).

Montreux surely is worth a visit all year round. The view of the Alps and the Jura, the lake, the music, the old town, the French charm.

Today, it also felt like a seaside resort. We had gusty winds for two days now and still this morning. So when we arrived in Montreux, Lake Geneva sounded like an ocean with a strong surf. We saw a size of waves that is not usual for a lake and the waves hit the shore roaring and splashing. Quite a spectacle.

Later in the day, I found a dry bench behind a stall overlooking the stunning scenery and I thought it would be a superb idea to have a seat while sipping our glass of hot spicy wine. “Come, sit by my side, it is dry here.”, I told my hubby. The moment he wanted to do so, a bigger wave hit and splashed so intensely we both ended up wet. Shoes, trousers, jacket… Luckily, the weather was not too cold and the sun was sometimes out to help us dry. Well, we had a good laugh and now boast the experience to have been showered by a lake :0).

Stay dry and warm but also have some good fun and be ready for a laughter when you may not expect it!

Enjoy your time and have a wonderful day,

Daniela