Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux: the wild hike above the lake

A wild gorge above Montreux

Just behind Montreux, the Baye de Montreux torrent has carved a deep, lush gorge running down from the Rochers-de-Naye. A trail climbs alongside it, fitted with stairs and footbridges, in an almost tropical forest setting: vertical walls, waterfalls, moss and cool air. Be aware, though: this is not a flat walk but a genuine mountain hike (white-and-red waymarking), with elevation gain and sections above the void. Reserved for families already comfortable on foot, it rewards strong walkers with spectacular scenery just steps from the lake.

What your children will discover

Children follow the torrent up close, discovering waterfalls, pools and moss-covered walls, in welcome coolness on hot days. In spring, wild garlic and then daffodils scent the trail. You pass beneath the huge pillars of the motorway viaduct, listen to the water roar, and cross stairs and footbridges: the sense of adventure is real, while staying on a built and protected path.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You climb along the torrent on a waymarked mountain trail, dotted with stairs, footbridges, rockfall nets and protective barriers. Allow about two hours for the loop, with a good amount of climbing. The atmosphere is wild and damp, and you can vary the return by coming back down by train from Les Avants or via the Glion funicular. Good to know: the trail is slippery in wet weather and may close after rockfalls; it is best to check that it is open before setting off.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 7 for sure-footed walking children; not advised for toddlers.
• Duration: about 2 h to 2 h 15 for the loop (≈ 6 km, +430 m of elevation gain).
• Price: free, open access.
• Booking: none.
• Stroller/wheelchair accessibility: no (mountain hike, stairs, elevation gain).
• Transport: Montreux station (trail signposted from the station); return possible by MOB train from Les Avants or via the Glion-Territet funicular.
• What to bring: hiking shoes, water, a snack; avoid in wet weather (slippery ground).
• Best season: from spring to autumn, in dry weather; check that the trail is open.

Tips from parents

• Save this outing for children already comfortable hiking: it is a mountain path, not a stroll.
• Avoid it in wet weather or after rain: the passages become slippery.
• Keep children away from the barriers above the void.
• Check that it is open before setting off: the gorge can close after rockfalls.
• Enjoy the return by MOB train or funicular to complete the walk without retracing your steps.

Useful information

• Address: start from Montreux station, 1820 Montreux (Vaud), towards Les Avants/Glion.
• Official website: Montreux-Vevey Tourisme (montreuxriviera.com) and the Ville de Montreux for the trail's condition.
• Opening times: trail open access in the warmer months; be cautious and check in bad weather.
• Access: Montreux station (CFF and MOB); return possible by MOB train (Les Avants) or the Glion-Territet funicular.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in Montreux.

Why we recommend it

Because, for families who love to walk, it is a wild and refreshing gorge just minutes from Montreux, with spectacular scenery and a fun return by train or funicular. Provided you accept that this is a real mountain hike, to be tackled with good footwear and in fine weather.

In a nutshell

A wild, refreshing mountain hike above Montreux, alongside a cascading torrent: spectacular, but reserved for families comfortable on foot, from age 7.