Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle, a medieval jewel near Montreux, guarantees visitors and tourists enchanting visits all year round: exhibitions, guided tours and activities for school groups, children's workshops and special evening events. An incomparable place where history, culture and nature all meet.

Once upon a time... Chillon Castle between lake and mountains...

Once upon a time there was a castle, perched on a rocky island...protected by thick stone walls and a great stretch of water.

Worn down by countless feet, the floors of the castle on Lake Geneva have so many stories to tell, and reveal their secrets over the course of your visit. First you enter the hall of the lord of the manor with its patterns of red chevrons on a white background, then the exhibition of old chests and, further on, the latrines and the ducal bedroom.

Deep inside the castle are the underground passages, where the wind is whistling through the narrow windows of the prison. A post attests to the fact that Bonivard was chained there, where he wandered desperately around the cold stone as he waited for death...

Higher up, on the dungeon, the view of the lake and surrounding area is breathtaking. This is an opportunity to marvel at the panorama surrounding the Château de Chillon™, this medieval gem nestled between Montreux and Villeneuve.

An enchanting setting and a history rich in adventures

The majestic Château de Chillon™ has dominated the lake since the 13th century. While it was originally a place of passage controlled by the wealthy Dukes of Savoy, who had taken advantage of its strategic position to make money from it, its history and heritage make it, today, a cult site in Switzerland.

The castle has been in the hands of the House of Savoy since 1150. Under Count Thomas I of Savoy (1189-1233), it was extensively rebuilt and enlarged. From 1536, the Bernese conquered the castle and gave it a new function: as well as serving as a prison and an arsenal, it became the administrative centre of the bailiwick of Vevey.

Following the Vaud revolution in 1798, the castle passed into the hands of the canton of Vaud. A new, more romantic image of this picturesque place with its rich and terrible history took hold, fascinating artists (such as Rousseau, Hugo and Byron) and visitors alike. The fortress retains its function as a prison, while at the same time beginning its transformation into a museum and tourist attraction.

Witness to a unique medieval past, the Château du Chillon™ comes alive throughout the year through numerous activities: guided tours, exhibitions, organization of workshops and events for young and old, private events, learning about the winegrowing heritage, children’s birthday parties.

Outside, a garden welcomes the public for a welcome moment of relaxation. The refreshment bar, nestled in the Jardin de Savoie and open in fine weather, offers snacks and cold drinks. Café Byron is the ideal place for a tasty break throughout the day, offering local and seasonal cuisine.

Visitors from all over the world enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the incredible view of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped peaks. Chillon Castle's importance extends far beyond Switzerland's borders, making it the most visited historic building in the country.