Let your inner Willy Wonka be your
guide and board the Chocolate Train that runs from Montreux every summer. It is
a delightful way to see the Swiss bucolic countryside and nosh on delicious chocolate
treats.
You can choose to travel in an elegant
vintage "Belle Epoque" carriage or an ultra-modern one with over-sized
windows. The train’s early morning departure is a great excuse to enjoy fresh croissants
and coffee served aboard while slowly waking up to the beautiful scenery
outside. Green pastures, dramatic mountains, neat vineyards and picture-perfect
villages slowly glide past your windows as the train moves towards medieval
Gruyères, home to the renowned Alpine Gruyère cheese. Here you will visit a factory
where the cheese is made and sample its different varieties. Gruyère cheese has been produced in the area for centuries and
it has played an important part in local economy.
After that head to the 13th
century Gruyères Castle to learn about the town’s history and admire a fine art
collection. You will have some spare tie to wonder around the charming town and
have lunch in one of local restaurants that serve traditional hearty dishes.
Try a lamb stew (ragoût d’agneau) with local pears, Fribourg sausage, smoked
ham, creamy soup de chalet, rich fondue and meringues with Gruyère double cream.
Just make sure you do not miss your train!
 |
| Gruyere |
Next stop – the pretty town of Broc where the
famous Maison Cailler (Nestlé) chocolate factory is based. Here you will
discover the secrets of chocolate manufacturing and history of the factory from
1898 to the present.
After observing the production process through
factory’s viewing windows and breathing in the tantalizing chocolate aroma you
can, finally, indulge your sweet tooth and savour the heavenly Swiss chocolate
during a tasting. Stock up on edible gifts at the factory’s shop and board the
train to return to Montreux.
Photos
via Flickr by: Rachel Glaves, Mark Weston, Nestlé.
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