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Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Belle Époque Feast In The Swiss Mountains: Dining At Hotel Victoria Glion
Hotel Victoria, Switzerland Hotel Victoria Perched like a jewel on the shoulder of the mountain, above the shimmering curve of Lake Geneva, the Hotel Victoria Glion rises from the mists of time–a living reverie of Belle Époque grandeur. As our funicular gently scaled the slopes from Montreux, each click of the track seemed to lift us from the modern world and deposit us into an artist's dream of 19th-century Switzerland. High on the mountain above Montreux– close to Rochers-de-Naye–Hotel Victoria has a sense of history combined with a warm family welcome and a one-of-a-kind setting. The village of Glion greeted us with hushed charm, its cobbled stillness hinting at stories whispered between pines and alpine flowers. At the heart of it all stands the Hotel Victoria, more reminiscent of a theatre set than a hotel, with its rose-pink façade and golden yellow accents recalling something plucked from Wes Anderson movie The Grand Budapest Hotel . Upon arrival the hotel you half expect Ralph Fiennes–in character as concierge Monsier Gustave–to answer the door. Indeed, Anderson drew inspiration from Grand Swiss Belle Epoque hotels for his fictional hotel. Hotel Victoria, Glion, Switzerland. Photograph © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock We were welcomed by the hotel's young director Antoine Mittermair who, at the young age of 27, took over the running of the hotel from his father, tasked with carrying its legacy and the spirit of the hotel into the future. Stepping into the lobby was like going back in time to 19th Century Belle Epoque Switzerland, the era of the Grand Hotels: oil paintings softened by age, porcelain vases poised with dignity, and carved furniture that seemed to hum with memory. Art at Hotel Victoria Glion © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock We were guided to the terrace where we sat in antique wicker chairs on the emerald green grass, savouring the fresh mountain air. Before us, Lake Geneva stretched like liquid silver, the town of Montreux below humming faintly with the sounds of the Jazz Festival. A Negroni, perfectly bittered and bright and an Aperol Spritz, kissed by the sun were our opening notes. Hotel Victoria Glion terrace © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Lunch unfolded as a love letter to Swiss-French cuisine, lovingly created by the chef's steady hand. A chilled and minted Pea Velouté, as light as a breeze, tasted of meadows and first blooms–so delicious and fresh that we asked for the recipe, which was later printed out for us and presented in a beautiful card. No attention to detail was spared. A delicate and refreshing starter of Ceviche de sériole aux pickles was beautifully presented and quickly digested, before the pièce de résistance -Dover sole à la meunière–a symphony of butter and lemon, plated with such care it felt like a travesty to eat it. The Chef–Mr. Gilles Vincent–emerged onto the terrace to greet the guests. Pea Veloute soup at Hotel Victoria Glion © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Each bite was a delight, each moment on that terrace a postcard to remember, for the delectable food, service and picturesque view. The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon–or any meal time–on a level with the clouds in the Swiss mountains, in a parallel universe where time stands still and you can take time to savour every mouthful of lovingly prepared food. We felt like we had stepped back in time to a Golden era of fine dining and Belle Epoque design. Classic Swiss dishes on the Hotel Victoria's menu include Sliced veal Zurich style and Châteaubriand with darphin potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Hotel Victoria is one of three Belle Epoque hotels located in Montreux, where the legacy of the artistic movement endures in the region's landscape and architecture. La Belle Époque–translating as "Beautiful Era" in French–refers to a period in French and European history stretching from the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 to the start of World War one in 1914. Hotel Victoria was born in the late 19th century when the Belle Epoque hotel business was flourishing on the Swiss Riviera, as the result of a new architectural movement which influenced architectural trends and, accompanied by technical innovations such as running water and electricity, enabled the construction of grand hotels with bathrooms and lifts–radical and luxurious innovations at the time. Hotel Victoria Glion Terrace © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Chef Gilles Vincent is a culinary artist, taking care to skilfully combines local produce with seasonal treasures to create classic gourmet masterpieces that are easy on the eye and agreeable to the palette. At Hotel Victoria Glion the classic menu is accompanied by a well-stocked wine cellar, with the staff on hand to suggest perfect pairings of food and wine. There is a sense of nostalgia in this historic family-run hotel, not only in well preserved Belle Epoque design with hints of Art Nouveau, but also in the Chandeliers, silverware and perfectly starched table linen that all add the perfect finishing touches to this hidden gem of a restaurant set amidst a century-old park with a flower garden. Hotel Victoria Cave a Vin Hotel Victoria Hotel Victoria Glion is not merely a hotel–it is an ode. To time, to beauty, to the slow and careful art of living well. To dine there is to slip, if only for an afternoon, into a gentler age.
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
England arrive in the beating heart of Euro 2025 with Italian job still to do
Just off the shore of Lake Geneva, the Jet d'Eau fires a relentless, arching cascade 140 metres into the air. It is the centrepiece of an effortlessly refined city that has taken leave of its senses at times during Euro 2025. England supporters landing on a clear Monday morning could appreciate the landmark from high up; those feeling brave could stretch out and walk within a few dozen strides of a torrent pumped out of the ground at around 125mph. There is hope that England's women can channel similar momentum when they face Italy at Stade de Genève in their semi-final on Tuesday. It took the squad time to switch off from their epic shootout win against Sweden in the last eight, when they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Adrenaline coursed through Sarina Wiegman's players in the hours afterwards and nobody would be averse to a sounder night's sleep this time around. In practice nothing comes easily at this stage. It has been tempting to bill this assignment as an inconvenience before an inevitable appearance in the final on Sunday. England negotiated a fiendish group that included France and the Netherlands, their performances mixed, and it felt significant that they overcame a fine Sweden side. Italy are surprise contenders who benefited from appearing in the easier half of the draw. From the outside, it seems England have done the hard part. There is a different feeling inside the camp. 'I think it would be really disrespectful to Italy to think we're favourites,' Wiegman said. 'They made the semi-final just like we did and that's very impressive for any team. Complacency is the biggest mistake you can make. We will have to be at our very, very best to win.' Nonetheless, the Lionesses' travelling support smell a date with history. England are reigning champions and, even if the Swiss air can never match the headiness of Wembley in 2022, retaining the trophy abroad might be an even greater feat. England qualified for only one European Championship of the five between 1989 and 1997. The rate of progress is still in pinch-me territory. 'I can't believe I'll be waking up in 24 hours watching England play a Euros semi in Geneva,' one fan told her travelling companion as they boarded their flight at Heathrow on Monday morning. 'What a sentence,' came the reply. It is an occasion to embrace and those present will, once again, march to the stadium in their hundreds. In Zurich, the venue for that hair-raising vanquishing of the Swedes, supporters walked in convoy for almost an hour. England's faithful may not have everything their own way. Stade de Genève is a lucky venue for Italy, who shocked Norway here last Wednesday in the quarter-finals. The 35-year-old striker Cristiana Girelli scored twice, her second a winner in the dying moments, and will threaten an inconsistent English backline. Italy also drew with Portugal here in the group stage and may assert a numerical advantage in the stands: 10,000 of their fans are estimated to have cheered them on in each of those games, exploiting strong cultural ties and a relatively straightforward trip across the border. The volume will ratchet up in a smart, intelligently designed venue that holds the noise in. 'It'll be quite nice, quite intense,' the England midfielder Georgia Stanway said, comparing the stadium to the running track-flanked ground in Zurich, the Stadion Letzigrund, where England have played three of their four matches. There has been no louder noise this summer than when Switzerland dramatically equalised here against Finland. While Stade de Genève is not routinely favoured by the local football association, partly due to a perceived lack of hospitality provision, it has arguably been the beating heart of the tournament. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion England's buildup has been clouded by the racist abuse inflicted upon Jess Carter, a key member of the side, on social media during the tournament. She has stepped back from running her Instagram account and the team will no longer take the knee before games, seeking a more consequential way to tackle racism. The subject dominated the pre-match press conference held by Wiegman and Stanway. 'It came to the point where the knee isn't doing what we want it to,' Stanway said. 'It's ridiculous and it goes beyond football,' Wiegman said of the abuse. 'Jess is fully supported by us and by the team.' Stanway said: 'If anything it's brought us together as a team. It's something we need to cut out of society and out of football. The people who are being abusive and saying these things are not fans.' Now England hope to put on a show, both for themselves and the millions who genuinely care. On Monday a light easterly wind sent the Jet d'Eau's spray arcing away from anyone who might have feared a drenching. Wiegman's team, though, are nowhere near home and dry.
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
England arrive in the beating heart of Euro 2025 with Italian job still to do
Just off the shore of Lake Geneva, the Jet d'Eau fires a relentless, arching cascade 140 metres into the air. It is the centrepiece of an effortlessly refined city that has taken leave of its senses at times during Euro 2025. England supporters landing on a clear Monday morning could appreciate the landmark from high up; those feeling brave could stretch out and walk within a few dozen strides of a torrent pumped out of the ground at around 125mph. There is hope that England's women can channel similar momentum when they face Italy at Stade de Genève in their semi-final on Tuesday. It took the squad time to switch off from their epic shootout win against Sweden in the last eight, when they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Adrenaline coursed through Sarina Wiegman's players in the hours afterwards and nobody would be averse to a sounder night's sleep this time around. In practice nothing comes easily at this stage. It has been tempting to bill this assignment as an inconvenience before an inevitable appearance in the final on Sunday. England negotiated a fiendish group that included France and the Netherlands, their performances mixed, and it felt significant that they overcame a fine Sweden side. Italy are surprise contenders who benefited from appearing in the easier half of the draw. From the outside, it seems England have done the hard part. There is a different feeling inside the camp. 'I think it would be really disrespectful to Italy to think we're favourites,' Wiegman said. 'They made the semi-final just like we did and that's very impressive for any team. Complacency is the biggest mistake you can make. We will have to be at our very, very best to win.' Nonetheless, the Lionesses' travelling support smell a date with history. England are reigning champions and, even if the Swiss air can never match the headiness of Wembley in 2022, retaining the trophy abroad might be an even greater feat. England qualified for only one European Championship of the five between 1989 and 1997. The rate of progress is still in pinch-me territory. 'I can't believe I'll be waking up in 24 hours watching England play a Euros semi in Geneva,' one fan told her travelling companion as they boarded their flight at Heathrow on Monday morning. 'What a sentence,' came the reply. It is an occasion to embrace and those present will, once again, march to the stadium in their hundreds. In Zurich, the venue for that hair-raising vanquishing of the Swedes, supporters walked in convoy for almost an hour. England's faithful may not have everything their own way. Stade de Genève is a lucky venue for Italy, who shocked Norway here last Wednesday in the quarter-finals. The 35-year-old striker Cristiana Girelli scored twice, her second a winner in the dying moments, and will threaten an inconsistent English backline. Italy also drew with Portugal here in the group stage and may assert a numerical advantage in the stands: 10,000 of their fans are estimated to have cheered them on in each of those games, exploiting strong cultural ties and a relatively straightforward trip across the border. The volume will ratchet up in a smart, intelligently designed venue that holds the noise in. 'It'll be quite nice, quite intense,' the England midfielder Georgia Stanway said, comparing the stadium to the running track-flanked ground in Zurich, the Stadion Letzigrund, where England have played three of their four matches. There has been no louder noise this summer than when Switzerland dramatically equalised here against Finland. While Stade de Genève is not routinely favoured by the local football association, partly due to a perceived lack of hospitality provision, it has arguably been the beating heart of the tournament. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion England's buildup has been clouded by the racist abuse inflicted upon Jess Carter, a key member of the side, on social media during the tournament. She has stepped back from running her Instagram account and the team will no longer take the knee before games, seeking a more consequential way to tackle racism. The subject dominated the pre-match press conference held by Wiegman and Stanway. 'It came to the point where the knee isn't doing what we want it to,' Stanway said. 'It's ridiculous and it goes beyond football,' Wiegman said of the abuse. 'Jess is fully supported by us and by the team.' Stanway said: 'If anything it's brought us together as a team. It's something we need to cut out of society and out of football. The people who are being abusive and saying these things are not fans.' Now England hope to put on a show, both for themselves and the millions who genuinely care. On Monday a light easterly wind sent the Jet d'Eau's spray arcing away from anyone who might have feared a drenching. Wiegman's team, though, are nowhere near home and dry.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
We're the first people in history to cross the Alps in wheelchairs – here's what we learnt
On the banks of Lake Geneva in late June, Ben Spencer and Peter Smorthit looked out towards the Alpine peaks. Over the next 18 days, the friends would embark on a 262 mile-journey across one of Europe's most extreme landscapes, reaching heights of 6,500 metres. Unlike other hikers, however, they would be setting themselves apart – by becoming the first to make the journey using only manual wheelchairs. Their aim was to inspire other wheelchair users to take on more outdoor activities, all the while raising awareness of a rare neurological condition Ben has called progressive cerebellar ataxia. 'Coming from a point where I didn't want to travel, to doing this, has been a big journey. It's shown me – and I hope other disabled people – that you can do it,' Ben said, reflecting on the colossal expedition. Ben was only diagnosed in 2022 after experiencing symptoms for 15 years. Since then, Ben has been raising awareness of the condition by competing in the London Marathon, as well as enduring a 16-and-a-half-hour journey up Mount Snowdon in 2023. After summiting the Welsh peak, however, it was time to take on an even larger challenge. Hence the trip to the Alps to raise awareness for Ataxia UK, a charity which researches treatments for the condition. Not long into starting their journey in Vevey, Switzerland, the pair were hit by an 'absolutely brutal' heatwave. It meant the extreme climbs of the Rhône Valley took two days, which was much longer than expected. After that, the temperatures started to drop, but the challenges continued. The athletes used EuroVelo routes through the Alps, which are designed for cyclists. The network comprises a mixture of roads, cycle paths, and trails, but a few says into the journey, the pair came across a less-accessible rough gravel track, complete with stones, boulders and tree roots. At that point, Peter had no choice but to drag himself up the hill, pulling his chair behind him for over a kilometre. The athlete had drawn on this sort of determination before. Peter sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 19 following a scaffold collapse on a building site, and is now paraplegic. In the years since, he has completed over 200 marathons and 150 ultramarathons, all from his wheelchair, and last year pushed himself from Land's End to John O'Groats. How to do it Ben and Peter's journey was an extreme challenge, and they recommend that wheelchair-users who want to replicate their journey undergo some extensive preparation beforehand. Peter advises hill-training, while Ben explained they also built up their stamina by doing multiple marathons over a year. Yet this level of groundwork is not necessary for every trip to the region. 'People in wheelchairs can certainly go out to the Alps and enjoy themselves,' Ben said. Along their route, the pair discovered some remarkably beautiful, wheelchair-friendly routes. The Wysswasser Trail, in Switzerland, was a particular favourite – maintained as part of the Switzerland Mobility scheme. And Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany, can be summited via accessible cable car. The reality of accessible travel Ben and Peter stopped at campsites along the way, staying in a campervan. While a few of the facilities along the route were sufficient, some did not have the requisite disabled toilets or washrooms. They found that even though some were labelled as accessible, they were not optimal for wheelchair-users. At a site in France, Ben found the water was stone cold. He had to find someone to turn on the hot water, believing it was likely left off as standard. Other elements of travelling can be intimidating, too. Ben explained that when he first started using a wheelchair, he was scared of getting on a plane with all the equipment because he thought it could be easily damaged. 'The barriers to travel for disabled people are physical, they're mental, and they're psychological. 'You're leaving the comfort of your environment and what you know is safe at home,' Ben said. 'If you can mentally prepare yourself that there are going to be issues, you get used to accepting that there are going to be barriers, and that gets you halfway. 'There shouldn't be barriers. The world should be accessible. But the reality is you have to overcome those.' The financial implications can also be prohibitive. 'When I look at disabled travel adventures, the cost is just enormous,' Ben explained. Peter agrees, and advises would-be adventurers to create their own holiday package rather than relying on ready-made options. The next adventure On 8 July, over two and a half weeks since they set off, Ben and Peter reached the finish line at Lake Como, Italy. This was not, however, the end of the journey. For their next challenge, the pair are considering crossing Canada or heading from northern to southern Europe in their wheelchairs. But for now the athletes hope their journey has motivated others to see what they are capable of. As Peter explains: 'It wasn't just to change ourselves, but to change people's perceptions of what's possible from a wheelchair.'
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Montreux Jazz Festival And Claude Nobs Foundation: A Living Legacy In Sound And Spirit
Quincy jones presents a night of global Gumbo - Quincy Jones and Claude nobs © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin A Festival Built on Passion, Vision, and Jazz The 59th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival ends on Saturday 19th July, its final notes echoing over the serene waters of Lake Geneva. Chaka Khan's powerful tribute to Quincy Jones– To Q With Love– opened this year's festival with a soulful celebration of one of Montreux's most treasured collaborators. But as the applause fades and the stages are packed down, attention is already turning to 2026, when the Montreux Jazz Festival will celebrate its 60th anniversary–a milestone that not only marks six decades of musical excellence, but also honors the enduring legacy of its visionary founder, Claude Nobs. A Musical Pilgrimage to Claude Nobs Chalets Just one day after Chaka Khan's opening night performance, I made a musical pilgrimage to a place that many consider the spiritual heart of Montreux: Claude Nobs' chalet high in the mountains above the lake, now home to the Claude Nobs Foundation. Nestled in the quiet Alpine village of Haut-de-Caux–accessible via the quaint Golden Pass cogwheel railway, which has a portrait of Claude Nobs on the side–this site is far more than a charming retreat, it's a living museum, a sanctuary of sound, and a cradle of innovation. Mountains above Montreux © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Where Legacy Meets Innovation Led by Thierry Amsallem–Claude's lifelong partner and the foundation's President–the Chalet offers a deeply intimate window into the world of a man who changed the course of music history. The Claude Nobs Chalets–now a UNESCO-listed heritage site–house an extensive archive of recordings, and form the beating heart of projects that are redefining how music can be preserved and experienced. In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), the Montreux Jazz Digital Project is turning the musical archive of Montreux Jazz Festival into a launchpad for immersive, futuristic experiences–where the performances of legends are accessible in 3D audio and virtual environments. Montreux Media Ventures is a pioneering steward of cultural heritage, presiding over one of the world's most significant audio-visual Collection from the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. From Nina Simone to Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie, MMV has preserved iconic performances from some of the world's greatest artists for future generations. With over 17,000 hours of audio and video, MMV is seen as 'The Abbey Road of recorded live music', presiding over a cultural asset of unrivalled quality that has been inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register since 2013. Thierry Amsallem, Founder of Claude Nobs Foundation © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Claude Nobs: From Local Promoter to Global Pioneer The roots of Montreux Jazz Festival (MJF) go back to 1967, when Claude founded what was then a pure jazz festival. Within just four years, Montreux had cemented itself as an essential stop on the global music map. In 1968, a Grammy-winning recording from the festival earned worldwide acclaim. In 1969, an impromptu concert led to the best-selling jazz album Swiss Movement , introducing the world to Montreux's magic. By 1971, Claude was booking Rock legends like Santana and Pink Floyd–even as he kept jazz at the festival's core. A Personal Touch: The Stories Behind the Chalet Walls As we walked through the chalet complex, Thierry recounted stories that painted a vivid portrait of the man behind the festival. Claude, it turns out, had a passion for trains, and his collection of model locomotives runs through several rooms. Neil Young, an equally avid collector, once playfully one-upped Claude during a visit when he showed him his model train collection. Thierry stood in a sitting room of the chalet where a collection of Claude's model trains is displayed and recalled: 'Claude was here. I was there. Neil Young was here, and he was looking at Claude's train collection. Claude explained that he was a big fan of trains because his father had lived near a railway line. Claude was explaining to Neil that his trains were from a US company of the 1930s. Neil Young said to him 'Don't explain. I bought the company!' He sold the company two years ago I think. Then we became friends because of trains!' The extensive train collection also includes a model train gifted to Claude by none other than Paul Simon. Who knew that an obsession with model trains could be shared by so many music legends? Claude Nobs Foundation collection of model trains © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock A Museum of Musical Legends The chalet itself is a time capsule of musical history. In one room, David Bowie's Kimono, shoes and a bunch of fake flowers sit beside a cheeky postcard sent to Claude from San Francisco by Freddie Mercury. Quincy Jones' trumpet and Jamiroquai's signature hat add to the eclectic mix. A small chalet adjacent to the main house is–according to Thierry–Shania Twain's favorite hideaway. If these walls could talk, they would hum with stories of legendary jam sessions and home-cooked meals shared by stars, back in an era when stars weren't surrounded by a huge entourage of PR people, stylists and managers. Claude often cooked himself, offering artists a family-like refuge away from the adoring fans at the Montreux concerts. Bowie once praised the home-cooked dinner Claude made him in front of a live audience. There is also a room where the Rolling Sones hung out, which is decorated with photos and paintings of them, including some by Ronnie Wood. Claude developed a relationship with The Rolling Stones and even helped Keith Richards when he was in rehab for a year in Montreux. Thierry recalled that, when Claude invited the Rolling Stones to play Montreux, they were all enthusiastic apart from Mick Jagger who said 'But Claude, I don't play Jazz!' The Rolling Stones were due to play Montreux casino after Frank Zappa performed, but the night ended in a legendary incident worthy of a disaster movie. David Bowie's Kimono at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock From Fire to Fame: The Story of Smoke on the Water In a vintage screening room lined with 1970s Swissair first-class seats–complete with now-defunct ashtrays–Thierry showed us rare footage of iconic festival moments. Thierry told us the dramatic tale of the infamous 1971 fire at Montreux Casino. During a Frank Zappa concert, a fan set off a flare gun, sparking a fire that would burn the venue to the ground. Deep Purple witnessed the chaos, and the next day wrote the now-legendary Smoke on the Water , immortalizing the event, and Claude himself ('Funky Claude was running in and out'). Thierry explained: 'Deep Purple said 'We're going to bring the Rolling Stones mobile studio, because we would like to play Montreux but we would also like to record an album. Claude said 'OK, but this will be after the Frank Zappa Show'. And a stupid guy during the Zappa show lit a gun flare and set fire to the casino.' Thierry proceeded to show us a previously unseen film with footage of the Frank Zappa concert, the fire and the aftermath, edited to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd's track One of These Days , which led to the composition of Smoke on the Water . After the visit to the chalet, I listened to the track again and the lyrics took on a whole new meaning: 'We all came out to Montreux On the Lake Geneva shoreline To make records with a mobile, yeah We didn't have much time now Frank Zappa and the Mothers Were at the best place around But some stupid with a flare gun Burned the place to the ground Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky (Smoke) on the water, you guys are great They burned down the gambling house It died with an awful sound Funky Claude was running in and out He was pulling kids out the ground now When it all was over Find another place Swiss time was running out It seemed that we would lose the race Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky Smoke on the water.' A Vision for the Future: AI, Immersion, and Innovation Montreux is not just a music festival–it's a guardian of culture. The archive is staggering: over 17,000 hours of audio and video recordings have been preserved, with performances from Prince to Nina Simone, from Ed Sheeran to Bowie. This treasure trove is overseen by Montreux Media Ventures, which manages the festival's media and production and has earned the archive a place in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The Claude Nobs Foundation and Montreux Media Ventures are not only preserving the past but innovating for the future. Thierry revealed one of the most exciting developments in the works: an AI-assisted recreation of Claude's voice, set to debut during the 60th anniversary celebrations. This voice will guide visitors through Live at Montreux-The Experience by Claude Nobs , an interactive installation that immerses audiences in the music, the history, and the very soul of Montreux. Art Meets Sound: The Visual Legacy of Montreux Art has always been integral to Montreux's identity. Claude's eclectic tastes extended beyond music and model trains to art deco and contemporary art, and he was pioneering in his vision not only of merging pop and rock music with jazz–which some people viewed as musical sacrilege in the 60s–he was also pushing the boundaries between art and music. In 1983, Claude invited American Street artist Keith Haring to design artwork for the festival, beginning a tradition that continued with artists like Niki de Saint Phalle and Malika Favre. Haring had visited the Chalet during his time in Montreux, and several originals of his artworks are on display, many of them personally dedicated to Claude. Thierry explained that Haring had created street art around Montreux during his visits, which wasn't documented and sadly disappeared, but his designs for the festival and his artworks live on in the Chalet. For 2025, London-based artist Lakwena took inspiration from Nina Simone's 1976 performance of Stars , building her design around the lyric, 'All you see is glory.' An exciting collaboration will be announced later this year with an artist for the 60th anniversary of MJF. In the Chalet you can spot a Warhol portrait of Mao next to an original Keith Haring artwork signed to Claude, a self-portrait of Bowie, and a more contemporary painting by artist Kehinde Wahale, the official portraitist of former US President Barrack Obama. Artworks at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Quincy Jones and the Power of Collaboration Montreux has also long benefited from the influence of legendary producer Quincy Jones. After joining as co-producer in 1991, Quincy and Claude formed an extraordinary partnership, drawing artists across eras and styles. Together, they staged one of Miles Davis' final performances and brought to life nights featuring Phil Collins, Mos Def, Herbie Hancock, Jorja Smith, Jon Batiste, and countless others. This firm friendship between Quincy and Claude endured during their lifetimes, and Quincy's legacy was celebrated at the 2025 MJF with Chaka Khan's musical tribute To Q with Love . MJF Scène du LAC. Lac Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Prince, Bowie, and the Soul of Montreux 'Prince called Claude himself to say he wanted to play Montreux,' Thierry said. 'He fell in love with the place.' The late icon went on to perform six legendary concerts at the festival. The chalet still reverberates with echoes of those performances. Thierry played us a video of Bowie performing Ashes to Ashes at Montreux, and also Prince's moving rendition of Purple Rain , a performance so emotionally charged that the room fell silent. Quincy Jones' Trumpet © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Thierry gave some insight into the close relationship Quincy and Prince formed with Claude and Montreux: 'One day Claude was touring Prince in the 1980s, and that's how they met. Many years later Prince called Claude and said he would love to play Montreux. So he came back in 2007, played Montreux and fell in love with the place and the people. He could have been our best Ambassador, unfortunately he passed away – he played six concerts in Montreux. And Quincy Jones our ambassador since 1991 and he passed way last year. So we are really missing these great ambassadors who have passed away.' An upper floor of Claude's chalet contains an open-plan room where his bed is positioned above a seating area, with a huge window overlooking the mountains. Thierry gestured to a large sofa and said it was Quincy's favourite spot to sit, recalling how he and Claude bonded over their love of Crocs. One could sense the ghosts of Quincy, Claude and the other legendary musicians who sat on that sofa after a night of live of music in Montreux, and the jam sessions that took place in the rooms below. Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Looking Ahead to the 60th Anniversary As Claude's memory continues to inspire, his legacy lives on not just in festival lineups, but in mentorship programs, immersive experiences, and a holistic vision of music that spans genre, geography, and generation. Looking ahead to the 60th edition in 2026, the Montreux Jazz Festival will move into a fully redesigned Convention Centre. This transformation will reinvigorate the legendary Stravinski Auditorium and the Jazz Lab, ensuring that Montreux's magic—its potent mix of setting, sound, and soul—remains as vibrant as ever. The Festival That Keeps Reinventing Itself The 59th edition ended on a high note, with powerful performances from both legends and rising stars. From Neil Young to James Blake, from Chaka Khan to Raye, this year's lineup was a bridge between the past and the future. The festival continues to evolve, adapt, and innovate–always true to Claude Nobs' original vision. MJF Raye © Amelie Chatellard © Amelie Chatellard Claude's Spirit Lives On What began as a small jazz event by a railway-loving music promoter in a Swiss lakeside town has become one of the most influential and beloved festivals in the world. Montreux is not merely a destination–it's a feeling, a memory, a soundscape shaped by decades of groundbreaking artistry. As we look forward to Montreux's 60th anniversary, one thing remains clear: Claude Nobs' spirit is as alive as ever–in every note, every train whistle, and every flame of inspiration sparked on the Lake Geneva shoreline.
