Vevey

Vevey, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a town rich in Swiss traditions and scenic beauty. Here, you'll find Charlie Chaplin's former home, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The town is also known for its connection to Nestlé and the invention of milk chocolate. As you walk through Vevey's cobblestone streets, you'll come across historic buildings, art installations, and lakeside promenades with views of the Alps.

Vevey's Old Town

Walk through Vevey's Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to historic buildings and fountains. In the town's main square, Grande Place, you'll see La Grenette, a granary built in 1803 in the Neo-Classical style. Behind La Grenette is the restaurant La Clef, where philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once ate. As you explore, look for the many statues and art installations throughout the town.

Charlie Chaplin's Vevey

Charlie Chaplin lived in Vevey for the last 25 years of his life. Visit Chaplin's World, a museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban. The museum combines multimedia presentations with personal artifacts and recreated film sets. On the lakeside promenade, you'll find a bronze statue of Chaplin, a popular spot for photos and a reminder of the actor's time in Vevey.

Nestlé and Milk Chocolate

Vevey is home to Nestlé's world headquarters, founded here in 1867. Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate in Vevey in 1875 with Henri Nestlé's help. Learn more about this history at the Alimentarium, a museum focused on food and nutrition. The museum has interactive exhibits and cooking workshops for visitors of all ages.

Lake Geneva Activities

Vevey's location on Lake Geneva offers several activities. Walk along the flower-lined lakeside promenade and watch the swans. Look for the 24-foot stainless steel fork sculpture in the lake, placed there for the Alimentarium's 10th anniversary. You can also take a ride on one of the historic paddlewheel steamers that leave from Vevey's dock, offering trips around the lake.

Wine and Vineyards

The Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Switzerland's largest wine-growing regions, surround Vevey. Take a miniature train tour through the steep, terraced vineyards to see the lake and mountains. Visit the Musée de la Confrérie des Vignerons to learn about the region's winemaking traditions and the Fête des Vignerons, a wine festival held every 20-25 years.

Local Markets and Events

Experience local life at Vevey's markets. The town has a large market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, selling fresh produce, local specialties, and handmade crafts. In summer, the Marchés Folkloriques, a folk market, attracts up to 2,000 visitors each Saturday. Check the local event calendar for festivals like the Vevey International Funny Film Festival or the Images Vevey visual arts festival.

Getting Around Vevey

Vevey's railway station has frequent trains to nearby cities like Lausanne, Geneva, and Montreux. Many areas in Vevey are easy to explore on foot. For longer distances or trips to the surrounding vineyards, use the local bus system or rent a bicycle. The funicular to Mont Pèlerin takes you up for views of the region.