High Notes by the Lake: Inside the Glamour and Sound of Montreux Jazz Festival 2025

Manuela Lenoci
5 giorni fa
Tempo di lettura: 3 min

The Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 4 to July 19, 2025, in Montreux, Switzerland. This 59th edition will once again transform the picturesque lakeside town into a vibrant hub of musical excellence, featuring performances from legendary artists and emerging talents across various genres

There’s a moment when the sun melts into Lake Geneva and saxophones begin to sing—this is Montreux, and you’ve arrived at one of the world’s most iconic music festivals.

Every July, the quiet elegance of Montreux, Switzerland, transforms into a dazzling global stage for music lovers, jet-setters, and legends of sound. From July 4–19, 2025, the Montreux Jazz Festival returns for its 59th edition—bigger, bolder, and more magnetic than ever.

A Festival Steeped in History—and Star Power

What started in 1967 as a pure jazz gathering has matured into a genre-bending, globally celebrated spectacle, where Miles Davis once traded riffs with Prince, and David Bowie plotted his next album over a lakeside espresso. Today, it blends the old and new—think soulful jazz, cutting-edge electronica, Afrobeat, and indie rock, all wrapped in a vibe that’s half Riviera glamour, half Woodstock soul.

This isn’t just a music festival. It’s a pilgrimage for sound, style, and serendipity.

2025 Must-See Events and Experiences

This year, the lineup promises bold fusions and rare intimacy:

Stripped Sessions – Cozy, acoustic evenings with breakout stars and cult favorites.
Global Jazz Night – A cultural collision of African drums, Latin rhythms, and Swiss precision.
Blues Reborn – Guitar gods and queens of soul take the stage under moonlight.
Electronic x Jazz Lab – DJs and jazz instrumentalists collaborate live—expect groove, grit, and goosebumps.
VIP Sky Lounges – Private terraces, champagne, backstage access. Enough said.

Bonus: A free stage by the lake lets you catch incredible acts without a ticket—just bring your dancing shoes.

Getting There: From Bari to Montreux Flights from Bari to Geneva

For Italian travelers, especially from Bari, the journey is surprisingly elegant:

Flight: Fly from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport to Geneva International Airport (one-stop flights via Zurich or Milan with SWISS, Lufthansa, or ITA Airways).
Direct flights from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) to Geneva International Airport (GVA) are available, primarily operated by easyJet. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. As of recent data, there are direct flights five days a week on this route
Train: From Geneva, hop on the scenic Swiss Rail (SBB) to Montreux—just over an hour, with panoramic views worth every second.

Upon arriving in Geneva, you can take a direct train to Montreux. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates frequent services on this route

Duration: Approximately 56 minutes.
Frequency: Trains run every 20 minutes throughout the day
First Departure: Around 04:47 AM.
Last Departure: Around 10:05 PM.
Ticket Prices: Starting from CHF 12.50 when booked in advance.

Tickets can be purchased through platforms like Rail Europe or directly at the station

Pro tip: Swiss trains run like Rolexes—on time, smooth, and spotless.

Where to Stay in Style

Whether you’re into palatial luxury or boutique charm, Montreux rolls out a red carpet for every taste:

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – The crown jewel. Iconic, opulent, and steps from the main stage.
Hotel Eden Palace au Lac – Lakefront elegance with Belle Époque flair.
Victoria Hotel, Glion – A romantic hideaway in the hills, with breathtaking views.
Les Trois Couronnes, Vevey – A regal choice just 10 minutes away, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Budget traveler? Check out charming guesthouses in nearby Vevey or Lausanne, easily reached by train or boat.

Dining, Drinking, and Dancing

The Montreux food scene is as deliciously diverse as its music:

La Rouvenaz – Italian seafood with a view (and perfect for celeb sightings).
Jazz Café @ Fairmont – Sip curated cocktails with a side of live funk.
Le Pont de Brent – Michelin-starred dining, if you’re feeling decadent.

And yes, the rosé flows freely at every pop-up bar on the promenade.

More Than Music: Must-Do Experiences

Château de Chillon – A medieval marvel straight out of a fairy tale.
Lake Geneva Cruises – Sail past vineyards and snow-capped peaks.
Rochers-de-Naye Train Ride – For the best selfies above the clouds.

Encore: Why Montreux Still Matters

In a world of overhyped festivals and endless scrolls, Montreux remains a living legend—intimate yet global, laid-back yet luxurious. Whether you’re front row at the Auditorium Stravinski or catching a surprise act by the lake, one truth remains:

Montreux isn’t just a festival. It’s a mood, a movement, a memory in the making.