Expect to be transported back to medieval times during your visit to Château de Chillon. More than 1,000 years old, the beguiling castle has inspired many poetic greats, none more so than Lord Byron, whose poem The Prisoner of Chillon was based on François Bonivard’s imprisonment. Travel across Lake Geneva on a paddle steam boat to arrive at the castle and note that the Rivera Pass, offered by most hotels, grants you half-price admission. Once inside, pick up an audio guide (available in English) and explore everything from cobblestone courtyards and eerie dungeons to secret passageways and castle walls.
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Château de Chillon in autumn
The Chillon castle is perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss castles. Built in the Middle Ages on the entrance of Lake Geneva by the then ruling Savoie, it has been occupied by the Bernese, French and finally Vaudois. The famous XIXth century poet Lord Byron epithomized this place in his poem. The fall colours together with the sunrays add a special feeling at this time of the year.
