How to transfer from Annecy to Montreux, Chillon Castle?
To travel from Annecy to Chillon Castle, Montreux, you have several options:
By Car, the distance is about 133 km and takes approximately 1h30 under normal traffic conditions
The most direct route is via the A41 and A1 highways, passing through Geneva and along Lake Geneva to Montreux.
The fastest and most convenient public transport option is to take a train from Annecy to Annemasse, then transfer to a Swiss train to Montreux. The total journey takes about 3h, with trains running regularly throughout the day. You can also take a bus from Annecy to Lausanne (operated by FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus), then transfer to a local train or bus to Montreux. This option takes around 3h30.
Taxi Massingy offers door-to-door private transfers from Annecy to Montreux, which is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. You can book online in advance for a fixed price. The bonus of taking a taxi from Annecy to Montreux is that you can do some sightseeing on the way with stops in Nyon, Morges and Vevey.
On the shores of Lake Leman, Chillon Castle in Montreux stands as one of Switzerland’s most iconic and well-preserved medieval fortresses. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this architectural marvel has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the intrigues of nobility, and the daily lives of countless individuals who called it home. Originally built to control the strategic passage between northern and southern Europe, Chillon Castle’s imposing stone walls and towers reflect its dual role as both a military stronghold and a luxurious residence for the Counts of Savoy.
The castle’s most famous chapter is its association with François Bonivard, a Genevan monk and political prisoner who was imprisoned here in the 16th century. His story, immortalized by Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”, transformed the castle into a symbol of resistance against tyranny and inspired Romantic-era travelers and writers. Today, visitors can explore Bonivard’s legendary dungeon, where the chains that once bound him remain on display, evoking a palpable sense of history.
Beyond its dramatic past, Chillon Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life. Its grand halls, chapels, and bedrooms are adorned with period furnishings, tapestries, and art, while the castle’s underground vaults and armories reveal the practicalities of defense and daily survival. The castle’s location, perched on a rocky island just off the shore, adds to its fairy-tale allure, with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
Now a popular museum and tourist attraction, Chillon Castle continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, legend, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re drawn by its medieval architecture, its literary connections, or simply the chance to walk in the footsteps of the past, Chillon Castle remains a timeless testament to Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage.
We walked from Montreux to Chillon, it is a beautiful one hour walk. We visited the Castle then enjoy the Christmas market in Montreux.
If you need a taxi from Annecy to Montreux or a tour from Annecy to Chillon and the Leman Riviera, please do not hesitate to contact me.
For more informations: https://www.chillon.ch/