Chillon Castle

A fairytale castle on Lake Geneva

It's hard to find a more iconic silhouette of the Romandy region than that of Château de Chillon. Built on a rocky islet between Veytaux and Montreux, it seems to float on the waters of Lake Geneva, with the Alps in the background. Fortress, residence of the Counts of Savoy, and then prison, the site tells over a thousand years of history. For a family, it is especially a life-sized playground, where every spiral staircase and every arrow slit invites you to push the next door. People come to marvel as much as to learn.

What your children will discover

The visit follows a route through about forty rooms, from the underground passages to the top of the keep. Children love the famous vaulted dungeons, immortalized by the poet Lord Byron, where one can easily imagine the prisoners of old. Higher up, they cross the grand halls, the rooms decorated with medieval paintings, the chapel, and the ramparts that offer a breathtaking view of the lake. A discovery booklet is available at the reception for children aged 6 to 10, to turn the stroll into a little investigation. The outdoor spaces, courtyard and terraces, also provide room to breathe.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

You explore at your own pace, without a mandatory guide: everyone opens doors, climbs towers, and descends through secret passages. The atmosphere is both peaceful and conducive to imagination, especially outside peak hours. The youngest run from room to room, while parents enjoy the panels and views of Lake Geneva. In high season, themed activities and events sometimes punctuate the year: check the official website before your visit.

Before you go

• Recommended age: 4 to 15 years, ideal from 6 years to follow the discovery booklet
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours of visit
• Price: adult 15 CHF, child 6-15 years 7 CHF, family 35 CHF (2 adults + 1 to 5 children), free for under 6 years; reduced rate 12.50 CHF (students, AVS, AI)
• Stroller accessibility: limited, the castle has many stairs and uneven floors
• Transport: VMCV bus 201 stop Chillon, CFF train Veytaux-Chillon, or CGN boat
• To bring: comfortable shoes, a light sweater (the stone rooms are cool)
• Ideal season: all year round, the castle is open almost every day

Parent tips

• Ask for the discovery booklet at the reception to keep 6-10 year olds occupied throughout the tour
• Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd, especially in summer
• Hold the hands of the little ones tightly on the narrow stairs and along the ramparts
• Combine the visit with a walk along the lake, the setting is perfect for it
• Be sure to check seasonal hours on the official website before you leave

Useful information

• Address: Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux
• Official website: https://www.chillon.ch
• Hours: variable according to the season (generally 9 AM - 7 PM from April to September, last entry at 6 PM; reduced hours the rest of the year); check the official website
• Access: VMCV bus line 201 (stop Chillon, in front of the castle), train to Veytaux-Chillon station then 7 minutes on foot along the lake, CGN boats in season

Why we recommend it

Because few outings bring together so many ingredients to delight a family: a postcard setting, a real dive into history, and the freedom to explore at one's own pace. Château de Chillon speaks to both children and adults, and remains a safe bet in all weather, as one alternates between indoor rooms and terraces by the lake.

In two words

A medieval fortress perched on Lake Geneva, to be explored with family like a great adventure book. An unmissable outing on the Vaud Riviera.