Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Geneva, the picturesque Swiss resort town of Montreux presents an unexpected claim to fame: it's a veritable shrine to some of music's greatest legends. Far from the typical alpine narrative, this French-speaking haven pulses with a rich musical history that draws fans from across the globe.
A Lakeside Tribute to a Rock Legend
Visitors strolling the scenic Montreux promenade are often stopped in their tracks by a striking bronze statue. It captures the iconic pose of Queen's legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury, fist aloft and microphone stand in hand. The plaque beneath reads simply: "Lover of Life, Singer of Songs." This tribute, unveiled in 1996, hints at the town's deep connection to the flamboyant British singer, who found a peaceful refuge here.
Mercury adored Montreux, once stating, "If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux." He owned an apartment overlooking the lake, and the town became a creative sanctuary for his band. The heart of this connection beats inside the nearby Montreux Casino, home to Queen – The Studio Experience.
Inside Queen's Swiss Sanctuary
This compact but compelling museum, run by the HIV/AIDS-fighting Mercury Phoenix Trust (whose trustees include Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor), occupies the former Mountain Studios. Queen owned this studio from 1979 to 2013, recording seven albums here. These ranged from 1978's 'Jazz' to their final 1995 album, 'Made In Heaven', which featured posthumous vocals from Mercury.
Fans can explore glass cabinets filled with glittering costumes, original instruments, and rare memorabilia. An interactive studio room allows visitors to twist knobs and adjust sound levels on classic Queen tracks, offering a hands-on glimpse into the band's creative process. The museum's atmosphere, often filled with the sound of hits like 'A Kind of Magic', is a poignant homage to their legacy.
The Beat of the Montreux Jazz Festival
While Mercury's presence is profound, Montreux's musical pedigree stretches back further. Each July, the town transforms during the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. Founded in 1967 by local tourism officer Claude Nobs, the festival has always boasted an eclectic line-up far beyond just jazz.
The festival's history is etched in rock lore. In 1971, a fire destroyed the original Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert, an event immortalised in Deep Purple's classic riff of 'Smoke on the Water'. The song even mentions "funky Claude," a nod to Nobs who helped rescue attendees. Deep Purple have performed at the festival ten times, while Queen graced the stage twice in the 1980s.
Preparing for its 60th edition from July 3 to 18, 2026, the festival's hub at the Montreux Music and Convention Centre is undergoing major renovations. Past line-ups have featured an astonishing range of artists, from Lionel Richie and Diana Ross to Neil Young, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Massive Attack.
Away from the main promenade, the gardens of the historic Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel host a silent symphony of statues. Here, lifelike depictions of past festival greats like Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Carlos Santana stand permanently enshrined. A bust of jazz icon Miles Davis also watches over the lakefront, alongside one of composer Igor Stravinsky.
For travellers, experiencing Montreux's dual harmony of tranquil beauty and roaring musical history is a unique journey. Tour operators like Globus include it in itineraries such as their nine-day Best of Switzerland tour, running from May to October 2026. It proves that sometimes, the most powerful anthems echo from the most peaceful places.
