Medieval Castle And the Village: The French Part

The day begins at the Montreux lake promenade. From here you will have a nice view of the lake but also of the beautiful buildings of Montreux. Just in front of Freddie Mercury statue, you have an idyllic platform over the lake.
If you walk to the ferry terminal, you will see a nice terrace in front of the water where you can seat and enjoy a coffee or tea.

I have been many times in Switzerland, and every single time I get back here. And you will understand why as soon as you get down the car.
Very well-preserved, with stunning surrounding views, I always feel ready for adventures when I visit it.
The castle, from the Middle Age, still preserves some murals from the 14th century and even a medieval toilet.
Open Hours: November to March Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
April to October Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00

Welcome to France! Your first stop is going to be Evian, the famous town of the water and Spa, where the French bourgeoisie came to rest during the 19th and 20th century.
After parking your car you can enjoy the views of the other side of the lake, now you can compare the Swiss views with the French ones.
The promenade is gorgeous, and you have the Old Casino in front, it is a gorgeous building.

The restaurant overlooking the lake is the place where you will have lunch today. They have mountain specialties and the decoration inside resembles a cabin in the mountain, but if the weather is nice, you can enjoy the terrace and the views to the lake.
They offer a daily menu.
Open Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 22:00

You are in the Rue Nationale, the main street in Evian. Here you will see the most beautiful buildings, and it is a pedestrian street, what makes a walk here super nice.
The Espace Evian is a small museum about the Evian water. You can learn how it became so famous and the history of the brand.
Open Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 12:30; 14:00 – 18:30

Park your car and let's go to walk around this Middle Age Castle. It is in front of the lake and the gardens are a nice spot to rest a bit.
The lake promenade is fantastic, more calm and relaxing than Evian, and the perfect place to feel the vibes of Thonon. From here you will walk to your next destination.

If you want to learn about the fisherman past of the lake, and how it was the life around Leman Lake, this is your opportunity. You will find all kind of traditional material that the fisherman used and its evolution, and the ecosystem of the lake and the fishes that life on it.
I promise, it is a fascinating visit, you will see the lake from a different perspective.
Open Hours: June, September Wednesday – Sunday: 14:30 – 18:00 Guided visits: 15:00, 16:30 Monday – Tuesday: closed
July – August Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 12:30, 14:30 – 18:00 Guided visits: 11:00, 15:00, 16:30

Leave your car here before entering the Yvoire old center.

As its name indicates is a garden to enjoy with the five sense, the smells, the touch, the view. Everything is a wonderful experience here. They have even a labyrinth where you can test your orientation.
Open Hours: From 15 April to 11 September Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:30
From 12 September to 2 October Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30
October to April Annual closure
You can find more information on the official website.
If you don't feel like going into a garden, just enjoy the streets of Yvoire, they are worth a slow walk.

You are in the old center of Yvoire, are you already in love? I understand, this medieval village couldn't be more beautiful. The Castle is a private property, so you can not visit the inside, but the outside and the streets around are just gorgeous.
From the Castle you can walk to the lake riviera and go to the Yvoire beach.

Let's finish this trip with a wonderful dinner at this restaurant in Yvoire. You will enjoy the mix between tradition of the fisherman culture of the lake with the sophisticated touch that characterizes the area in our days.
I recommend you try the lake fish soup and the fried perch fillets, you will love them!
Open Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00 – 14:30, 18:45 – 21:00 Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:45 – 21:00
You can check for more information on the official website.

Let's go to the car again, is time to go back to Geneva.