SWISS CHOCOLATE TRAIN
A Sweet Ride from Montreux to Gruyères
The
Swiss didn’t invent chocolate. No-one is exactly sure who did.
But the chocolate makers of Switzerland pretty much came up with the idea
of mixing it with milk and sugar to make sweet milk chocolate. The Swiss
didn’t invent trains either, but getting about in Switzerland the
extensive rail system comes in very handy, and leave it to the Swiss to
combine riding on a scenic mountain train to visit a chocolate factory,
like a national Willy Wonka program, a perfect family trip.
The
Swiss Chocolate Train is a special rail trip made up of historic rail
coaches that departs the grand 19th Century resort town of Montreux
on Lake Léman (better known as Lake Geneva) to the
medieval town of Gruyeres and the Nestlé Cailler Chocolate Factory
at Broc. The twisty rail trip takes a day, departing Montreux rail
station
at 9:36, heading up through the wine grape vineyards of the Vaud region
with views back down to the lake and returning about 5:30 pm. 
You
have a choice to ride in the historic 1915 era wagons-lits Pullman rail
coaches
from the great rail days of the early 20th century, when rail travel
was elegant and pampered. There are a couple of coaches of slightly
different style, or you can sit in a modern car with panoramic windows
which is attached to the end of train with a few seats in the end
(the train reverses direction half-way at Montbovon so your trailing
view turns into a forward view).
The trip up the mountains winds around with beautiful views of the
valley below, into the land of cows. Once reaching Gruyeres, disembark
for the Gruyere Cheese Factory (its just next to the train station) for
a look at the making of cheese in the town made famous by the familiar
stuff you melt in your fondue pot (see Maison
Gruyere Cheese Tour).
Board a bus for the short trip to the well preserved Gruyeres Castle
from
which the Savoy’s
once ruled this area (see Castle
Gruyeres). You have some time for lunch on your own, then
the bus carriers
on to Broc for a tour of the Nestle-Callier factory with its brand
new entertainment visitor exhibit, with a chance to sample all the
varieties the Cailler company makes (see Cailler
Chocolate Tour). 
If
your sweet tooth hasn't rotted, you can also buy some chocolate direct
from
the
factory
molds. Then
the train returns in the afternoon to Montreux. The
Switzerland Chocolate Train is all first class and with a Swiss Rail
Pass only a reservation
fee is needed. Without a rail pass you can purchase a ticket for about
$35 (39 chf). Though, without a pass, a visit to Gruyeres Castle is
not included. A Swiss Pass gets you into most all Switzerland museums
for free, one great benefit (see Swiss
Pass). The Chocolate Train only
runs from May to October, five days during the week in July and August,
three days a week in spring and autumn. It does not run in the winter,
on weekends or national holidays, (when the chocolate factory is closed).
In
Montreux, one of the main stops of the “Grand Tour” of the
19th Century “La Belle Epoque” when travel was expected as
part of a wealthy education, is known for it great magnificent hotels
of the
golden age where the Astors, British royalty and figures of music and
literature frolicked on the shores of Switzerland’s southern lake
with it mountain peaks backing the far shore. The famous Castle of Chillon
which inspired
Lord Byron is a 5 minute bus or train ride to the east (see Chateau
Chillon Montreux). Cruise boats ply the waters of the lake on circular tours
from Villenueve to
Geneva.
In
July, Montreux hosts the famed Montreux Jazz Festival, in case you’re
craving sweet music notes to go with your sweet tooth (see Jazz
on Lake Geneva). © Bargain
Travel Europe
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SEE ALSO:
HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS - CHATEAU D'OEX FESTIVAL
SWISS
GOLDEN PASS LINE SCENIC TRAIN
WALLISERHOF CHALET HOTEL ZERMATT
GRINDELWALD
- SWISS WORLD SNOW FESTIVAL
GORNERGRAT
BAHN - MATTERHORN RAILWAY
