Montreux Jazz Festival

If jazz is one of the roots of modern music, then Montreux Jazz Festival must be one of its most fertile gardens. Created in 1967 by jazz enthusiast Claude Nobs, the festival has become a must for music lovers from Switzerland and abroad. Music and culture hold a special place in Montreux, so much so that Queen even bought the famous Mountain Studio in the late 70's, and Freddie's statue now salutes across Lake Geneva in fine Mercury style. The festival is very much a showcase of this town's love of music, and many of the world's finest musicians have played on Its different stages, from Miles Davis to Ray Charles, to David Bowie and Prince. Although jazz might be historically the source of the Festival, other musical styles have very quickly found their place, and the festival program reflects the diversity of today's musical landscape. Taking place over sixteen days in the warm July months, the festival now attracts over 230,000 visitors, and, in addition to its concerts, features workshops, screenings, and exhibitions along the picturesque coast of Lake Geneva.

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