A trip to Lake Geneva is not complete without seeing it from the water, and the most romantic way to do that is on a CGN cruise — the historic, Belle Époque paddle steamers that have carried passengers across the lake for generations. From Montreux, a short cruise takes in the lakefront castles, vineyards and villages that define the Swiss Riviera.
Short answer: CGN runs scenic cruises on Lake Geneva from Montreux, including the classic Riviera Tour via Vevey, Chillon and Villeneuve aboard historic paddle steamers. Fare discounts come from the Montreux Riviera Card and via combined cruise + castle tickets.
Photos: paddle steamer «Savoie» — Suzy1919, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped); paddle steamer «Rhône» — Geri340, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons.
Two ways to save: the Montreux Riviera Card gives 20% off the Riviera Tour cruise,[3] and a combined cruise + Chillon admission ticket carries a 15% discount booked through CGN.[2]
Photo : Christian David, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In this guide
The Riviera Tour: the classic cruise
CGN’s Riviera Tour is the headline scenic cruise, looping along the eastern shore past Chillon and Villeneuve and back — the lakefront route that puts the Swiss Riviera’s castles and lakeside villages in view.[3] It is ideal as a mid-length boat trip from Montreux that still leaves time for the shore.
The Belle Époque paddle steamers
Part of the charm is the fleet itself: CGN operates historic Belle Époque paddle steamers on Lake Geneva, restored and still in passenger service. Aboard one, the lake crossing feels like the golden age of travel — polished wood, brass and a gentle paddle-wheel rhythm.[2]
Combining a cruise with Chillon
Because several cruises call at Chillon, the easiest pairing is a boat trip with a visit to the castle. CGN sells combined cruise + admission tickets at a 15% discount — book them at a CGN ticket office or on board.[2] See our Château de Chillon visitor guide for the castle half of the day.
Discounts & the Montreux Riviera Card
The Montreux Riviera Card, given free with your stay in the region, includes 20% off the Riviera Tour cruise.[3] Combined with the free local transport the card provides, it makes a lake day genuinely affordable.
Tickets, timing & tips
- Check the CGN timetable — most cruises run spring through autumn, with limited winter services (besides the festive winter cruises).
- Arrive early and sit on the open deck for the best views; bring a jacket even in summer.
- Use your Montreux Riviera Card for the cruise discount and the bus/train to the quay.
- If the lake is choppy, the covered mid-deck still offers great views.
Stay beside the lake
RivieraHost manages apartments across Montreux and Clarens, a short walk from the CGN landing stage. Stay central, cruise at your leisure.
Check availabilityRelated reading: The Montreux Riviera Card: free transport & discounts · Château de Chillon visitor guide · Rochers-de-Naye day trip · 12 best places to visit in Montreux and Vevey
10+ years in hospitality. BBA Hospitality (Glion), MSc Tourism (FHGR), MSc Data Science (HSLU).
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise should I take from Montreux?
The Riviera Tour is the classic scenic loop: it runs along the eastern shore via Vevey, past Chillon and Villeneuve and back, putting the castles and lakeside villages of the Swiss Riviera in view. It is ideal as a mid-length boat trip from Montreux that still leaves time for the shore — a perfect introduction to the lakefront.
Are CGN boats historic?
Yes — CGN operates restored Belle Époque paddle steamers on Lake Geneva, still in regular passenger service, and the fleet itself is part of the charm. Aboard one, the lake crossing feels like the golden age of travel — polished wood, brass and a gentle paddle-wheel rhythm. The classic Riviera Tour from Montreux runs aboard these historic paddle steamers.
Can I combine a cruise with Chillon Castle?
Yes — because several cruises call at Chillon, the easiest pairing is a boat trip with a visit to the castle. CGN sells combined cruise + admission tickets at a 15% discount, booked at a CGN ticket office or on board. See our Château de Chillon visitor guide for the castle half of a day that puts the castles and lakeside villages of the Swiss Riviera in view.
Is there a discount with the Montreux Riviera Card?
Yes — the Montreux Riviera Card, given free with your stay in the region, includes 20% off the Riviera Tour cruise. Combined with the free local bus and train travel it provides — for example the ride to the quay — it makes a lake day genuinely affordable. Use the card for the cruise discount and the transport to the landing stage.
Do CGN boats run in winter?
Most scenic cruises run spring to autumn, with only limited winter services besides the festive Christmas cruises, so check the CGN timetable before planning a winter crossing. In season, arrive early and sit on the open deck for the best views, and bring a jacket even in summer; if the lake is choppy, the covered mid-deck still offers great views.
Sources
- Château de Chillon, official Visit page — CGN offers a 15% discount on combined cruise + admission tickets — chillon.ch/en/visit
- Montreux Riviera Card, official benefits — the Riviera Tour cruise is in the 20% list — montreuxriviera.com
Base yourself in Montreux
RivieraHost’s apartments sit steps from the lake — with kitchens, more space and better value than a hotel for families and groups. Every one is right on this guide’s doorstep.