Les Pléiades

Les Pléiades rises above the Riviera Vaudoise, the string of lake towns between Vevey and Montreux, and it has long been a loved outing for people who live on the shore and want cooler air and a wider view. The mountain’s history as a leisure spot goes back to the early 20th century, when the rack railway from Blonay was built to bring visitors to the summit. Today the train ride remains a highlight, winding through forests and pastures before reaching the panoramic station at 1,397 meters.

History and Heritage The area around Les Pléiades has long been valued for its natural beauty and its easy access. The mountain’s name, inspired by the Pleiades star cluster, reflects a link to astronomy and the night sky, and the summit has an open-air solar system trail and the Espace BORAX observatory, where visitors can learn about the cosmos and take part in stargazing evenings. The slopes were used for grazing and haymaking for centuries, which preserved a traditional landscape of meadows and wooded edges that still gives the mountain its look. Down in Blonay, the Chemin de fer-Musée Blonay-Chamby preserves vintage steam and electric trains, and on summer weekends it runs historic rides along the hillside.

Main Attractions The most famous attraction is the wild narcissus bloom, which usually peaks in late April and May. During this period the meadows are blanketed in white flowers, a magical setting for walks and photography. The Narcissus Trail is an easy loop of about five kilometres that shows the best of the display, and the fragrance in the warm air is part of the experience. The summit offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and the distant Jura, with restaurants and picnic spots for rest. Les Pléiades is also known for family-friendly learning: scale models of the planets are laid along the path, and the observatory hosts astronomy workshops and guided night-sky tours.

Activities Outdoor activities fill the mountain. In summer, hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross the slopes, from gentle walks to harder routes, and the Gourmet Panorama Trail combines views with stops at mountain huts for local food. Horseback riding and paragliding are possible for those looking for more adventure. In winter the area becomes a family ski resort with gentle slopes, snowshoe trails, sledding runs and cross-country skiing, with a calm atmosphere compared with the big resorts. Les Pléiades’ short distances mean that a morning on the slopes can end with lunch by the lake.

Getting There Les Pléiades is reached by the rack railway from Blonay, which is linked by train to Vevey and Montreux. The ride to the summit takes about 30 minutes and offers views along the way. By car, parking is available at the Blonay station. The area is well signposted, and most attractions are within walking distance of the summit station.

Seasonal Advice Late April to early June is the time for the narcissus bloom, and June to October suits hiking and views. Summer offers mild temperatures and clear skies, good for outdoor activities and stargazing. Winter suits snow sports and cosy mountain stays, though weather can vary. In every season Les Pléiades’ mix of nature, education and easy access makes a pleasant Swiss mountain outing.