Discovering Les Pléiades
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Discovering Les Pléiades

Easy daffodil loop hike above Montreux

1 day • Easy difficulty • Est. €70

Day 1: Les Pléiades Daffodil Trail & Montreux Riviera

A relaxing day exploring the famous Les Pléiades daffodil fields via an easy loop hike, followed by leisure time in the nearby town of Montreux. This itinerary focuses on the spring bloom season (late May to early June).

  • 09:00

    Travel to Les Pléiades Trailhead

    Take the local bus (Line 100 or 101) from Montreux Train Station to the 'Les Pléiades' stop. The ride offers scenic views of Lake Geneva and the vineyards. Alternatively, drive up the mountain road if preferred.

  • 09:30

    Les Pléiades Daffodil Hike

    Embark on the 5.45 km loop trail through the fields of wild narcissus (daffodils). This is an easy, family-friendly hike with gentle slopes. Enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps while surrounded by thousands of white and yellow flowers. Note: Best visited between late May and early June.

  • 11:30

    Picnic and Relaxation

    Stop at one of the designated picnic spots along the trail or near the summit area. Enjoy a light snack or packed lunch with a view of the flowers and the lake below.

  • 12:30

    Return to Montreux

    Take the bus back down to Montreux center or walk down the steeper path towards the town if weather permits.

  • 13:00

    Lunch at Lakefront

    Enjoy a traditional Swiss or international lunch at a restaurant along the Montreux lakeside promenade. Many cafes offer outdoor seating with views of the lake and Chillon Castle.

  • 14:30

    Visit Chillon Castle (Optional)

    Walk or take a short bus ride to the nearby Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon). Explore this historic medieval castle situated on a rocky islet in Lake Geneva. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • 16:00

    Stroll the Montreux Promenade

    Relax with a leisurely walk along the famous Montreux lakeside promenade, passing the Freddie Mercury statue and enjoying the mild climate and floral displays.

Meals: Snack at Les Pléiades Picnic Area , Lunch at Montreux Lakeside Restaurant

Where to stay: Stay in Montreux or nearby Glion/Veytaux for easy access to the Les Pléiades trail and Lake Geneva. Montreux offers a wide range of hotels from luxury to budget.

Getting around: Public transport (bus) is highly recommended and efficient for reaching Les Pléiades from Montreux. A Swiss Travel Pass covers most local transport. Walking shoes are essential for the trail.

Practical Information

The optimal time to visit Les Pléiades is during the brief narcissus blooming season, which typically peaks in late May and early June. During this period, the hillsides above Montreux are covered in wild daffodils, creating a spectacular visual display. Weather conditions in the Montreux Riviera are generally mild, but temperatures at higher elevations can be cooler than in the valley below. It is advisable to check local bloom status updates before your trip, as the flowering window is short and weather-dependent. Outside of the spring season, the area serves as a small winter sports hub, offering chairlifts, ski lifts, and snowshoeing trails, though the primary attraction for most visitors remains the spring hike. Accessing Les Pléiades is straightforward via public transport or car. The trail is easily reachable from Montreux, with options including hiking up from the station or taking a short drive. The route itself is an easy 5.45 km loop, taking approximately two hours to complete, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. If you prefer not to hike, you can view the flowers from the train station area. The area is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass and GA travelcard, which covers transport to the region. For accommodation, staying in Montreux is recommended due to its central location and excellent transport links to the trailhead. Budget considerations should account for the fact that while transport is covered by travel passes, food and additional activities are not. The trail features numerous picnic spots, so bringing your own lunch is a cost-effective option. What to pack includes sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing suitable for variable mountain weather, and sun protection. A camera is essential for capturing the daffodil fields, and a map or GPS device can help navigate the loop. Important tips include checking the bloom status in advance, respecting the natural environment by staying on marked paths, and being mindful of the short viewing window to ensure you catch the flowers at their peak. This itinerary offers a relaxing, family-friendly experience with minimal physical demand, focusing on natural beauty rather than strenuous activity.

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