French language courses and Leisure at ESL Montreux, Switzerland
Learning French in Montreux, you have access to an enormous range of activities in your free time. The unique combination of a striking Alpine location and strong year-round cultural heartbeat means that there really is something for everyone.
Both in summer and winter, the proximity of the lake and the Alps offers unforgettable hikes and varied sporting opportunities. From rock climbing to mountain biking, as well as sailing, water skiing, tennis, karting, bowling or paragliding, to name but a few, the Montreux region is a real paradise for sports enthusiasts.
During the winter months, the largest skiable region in the world "Les Portes du Soleil" is just 30 minutes away and numerous sports clubs welcome you for indoor sports. Take the time to visit the Château de Chillon: the famous medieval castle that inspired Lord Byron to write a poem... and carve his name in a pillar in the dungeon! Sail on Lake Geneva onboard a centenary steam boat or immerse yourself in the euphoric atmosphere of music festivals such as the Montreux Jazz or the Paléo of Nyon.
Both in summer and winter, the proximity of the lake and the Alps offers unforgettable hikes and varied sporting opportunities. From rock climbing to mountain biking, as well as sailing, water skiing, tennis, karting, bowling or paragliding, to name but a few, the Montreux region is a real paradise for sports enthusiasts.
During the winter months, the largest skiable region in the world "Les Portes du Soleil" is just 30 minutes away and numerous sports clubs welcome you for indoor sports. Take the time to visit the Château de Chillon: the famous medieval castle that inspired Lord Byron to write a poem... and carve his name in a pillar in the dungeon! Sail on Lake Geneva onboard a centenary steam boat or immerse yourself in the euphoric atmosphere of music festivals such as the Montreux Jazz or the Paléo of Nyon.
Some events to keep in mind
| January | Lausanne sporting challenge | Biggest public multi-sports event of the area |
| February | Nescafe Champs Open | The elite of world snowboard riders during 1 week |
| March | Carnival days | In several different places |
| April | Cully Jazz Festival | Nine-day cruise through the world of jazz |
| May | Animai garden rivage | Socio-cultural festival for creativity of young people |
| June | European Beer Festival | Largest beer-related event in Switzerland |
| Montreux Volley Masters | Best world teams in competition | |
| July | Montreux Jazz Festival | One of the best over the World |
| Paléo Festival | One of the biggest Pop Music Festival in Europe | |
| August | Sidewalk artist festival | Jugglers, mimes, acrobats and others |
| Oz’Arènes rock festival | In a magnificent Roman amphitheatre | |
| European heritage days | Visit historic sites and monuments | |
| October | Lausanne underground film & music festival | Discover new untraditional talents |
| November | Metropop festival | Urban and contemporary music |
| December | Comedy Festival | Artists from around the world to tickle the funny bone |
| Christmas Market of Montreux | The biggest in Switzerland |
