Châtel-St-Denis lies at an altitude of 809 metres, 9 kilometres to the north of Vevey. The village lies directly on the continental divide between the drainage basins of the Rhône and Rhine. To the east, the municipality includes the rambling holiday resort of Les Paccots (1061m) on the southern flank of the Veveyse de Châtel and extends to the ridge of the Moléson range with the limestone peaks Teysachaux (1909 m) and Dent de Lys (2014m; the highest elevation in the municipality).

The A12 motorway runs along the western flank of the Veveyse between Châtel-St-Denis und Vevey; the other side of the valley was served by a narrow-gauge railway until 1969, when the service was replaced by buses. Nowadays, the disused railway line is a popular hiking route between Châtel-St-Denis and Vevey. Its favourable location and easy accessibility has made Châtel-St-Denis a comparatively affordable and desirable residential area for commuters to Vevey/Montreux and Lausanne.

Châtel-St-Denis’ origins go back to an 11th century castle built on the Vieux Châtel ledge. The present-day castle was built in the 13th century and largely rebuilt in the 18th century.

Les Paccots, a holiday resort in the Veveyse Valley to the east of Châtel-St-Denis also belongs to the municipality’s territory. Hikes to the Moléson peak and flora and fauna-rich marsh landscapes are a popular summer activity. Les Paccots is a family-friendly and low-key ski region in winter.