Vevey experienced its first heyday in the belle époch period at the end of the 19th century. Even today, majestic hotels and a flower-bedecked lakeside promenade lined with palm trees continue to serve as reminders of this age. But Vevey is also a modern, regional centre which is headquarters to Nestlé, the international Food and Beverage Group. Its most famous inhabitant was probably the comedian Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last twenty five years of his life here. A monument dedicated to him stands on the lakeshore.

Summer

In addition to water sports, the Lake Geneva Riviera is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise. The region lends itself to exploration by bicycle on various circular routes. A popular downhill route leads from the Les Pléiades ‘lookout’ mountain (1360 m) above Vevey down into the valley. True to its name, the mountain is home to the «AstroPléiades» astronomical trail and an observatory. Les Pléiades with their stunning views across the Waadtland Riviera, Lake Geneva and Alps are also famous for the wild daffodils which flower here on the spring meadows in practically unlimited numbers. A cog railway («Train des Etoiles») leads up from Vevey.

Additional railways operating from Vevey serve to open up its hilly hinterland: a funicular railway runs to Chardonne and to Mont-Pèlerin, a nearby, vista-rich relaxation area. Historic steam locomotives and early electric railcars travel along the museum railway line between Blonay and Chamby. The Chaulin-Chamby depot is home to a small railway museum. And the «vine train» (Train des Vignes) wends its way through the wine-growing region of Lavaux.

Winter

The ski region of Les Pléiades is ideally suited to families because of its gentle slopes. Three circular cross-country ski trails of 3.7 and 10 km in length lead through hills and forests. The snow-covered meadows of the foothills to the Alps also invite visitors to enjoy snow-shoe walks. The Les Avants-Sonloup funicular railway leads to a 2.3-km-long toboggan run.