A WEEKEND IN MONTREUX

Many of you don’t know, but Charles and I met in Montreux – more precisely at the Fairmont Montreux Palace, during the hotel’s Spring Ball, back in 2011. Oh this Belle-Epoque architecture, elegant saloons and mesmerizing surroundings will always hold a special place in my heart – this is why I was thrilled when the opportunity of spending two days there during the Christmas market with my little family came up. Although Montreux is not far from Geneva (about one hour by train), traveling with a baby – especially during wintertime – is always challenging, so I was more than grateful to be able to show him the Christmas market I visited so many time as a kid while counting the gorgeous Palace as our home away from home.

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is known to be the largest 5-star hotel in the Swiss Riviera region, with 236 rooms and suites at disposal. Having never set foot in one of the hotel rooms before, I was pleasantly surprised when we were shown into a very spacious, newly renovated Suite overlooking the Geneva Lake and the Alps. I must say : what a view! I could definitely wake up to it every morning, there is something peaceful and relaxing in mountains views, don’t you think? Baby Seven quickly made himself at home and took ownership of the king size four-poster bed. Kid-wise, the room was equipped with all necessities and even more, from the cuddly toy on the little cradle, to baby-change products. As they say: happy kid, happy parents!

After a quick welcome drink we headed to the Christmas Market – even knowing more or less how it looks like, I cannot help but feeling mesmerized every year. Montreux Christmas Market is set on one kilometer along the lakeside promenade. Among the 160 chalets you can find unique artisans that offer great gift ideas, local culinary specialities like fondue and raclette as well as specialties from abroad, and tons of opportunities of drinking mulled wine. My top 3 addresses? Montreux Palace’s After-Ski Igloo set in the hotel’s gardens where you can have the tastiest Mulled Wine while listening to good music, the Manneke Kris chalet for waffles : try their chocolate one and thank me later, and the Canadian chalet for hot tea with maple syrup – a delice! But it’s not all about food, while we were walking in the direction of the big wheel, a flash of light caught our attention and we saw Santa flying in the sky on his sleigh! A truly enchanting sight for young and old alike.

When we finally headed back to the hotel we’ve been welcomed with a light show – indeed a magical 3D light show in projected onto the facade of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace every evening between 5pm and 9pm. Baby Seven might still be a bit young to appreciate a flying Santa, but lights he loves, and we stayed in the hotel’s gardens of a good half an hour admiring them (fortunately there is a big fireplace there, so we were very cosy). This stay was emotionally charged for sure, to give you a deeper insight into our experience we even realized a short video – you can watch it on my Instagram’s IGTV channel.


Pictures : Charles Legrand


In collaboration with ACCOR HOTELS

Check out the Fairmont Le Montreal Palace online HERE