Montreux
Montreux, town, comprising three resort communities (Le ChĂątelard-Montreux, Les Planches-Montreux, and Veytaux-Montreux; merged 1962) in Vaud canton, western Switzerland, extending 4 miles (6 km) along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac LĂ©man). Its natural setting below mountains protecting it from northerly and easterly winds has made Montreux the lakeâs most fashionable health resort. The nearby 13th-century ChĂąteau de Chillon, made famous by Lord Byronâs poem âPrisoner of Chillon,â is one of Switzerlandâs best-known pieces of architecture. Montreux is on railway lines from Geneva and France to Italy via the Simplon Tunnel and is also a terminus of mountain railways. The tourist trade is important, while the villages of Caux, Chernex, Glion, Chamby, and Les Avants on terraces above Montreux depend mainly on agriculture and viticulture. Every year, Montreux hosts the well-known Montreux Jazz Festival. Pop. (2007 est.) 23,195.
