Festival International de Ballons, Château d'Oex
Montreux in the early morning light
45th Festival International de Ballons
Our weekend journey to Château-d’Oex began with an early start on January 25, heading into the mountains under the cover of darkness. We were eager to attend the opening day of the 45th Festival International de Ballons. Despite the excitement, a 7 a.m. update from the organizers dampened our spirits: high-altitude winds were deemed too dangerous, and no balloons would fly that day. Undeterred, we decided to continue and make the best of the day.
After warming up with a coffee, we were fortunate to meet Philippe Golet, a long-time festival volunteer and an indispensable member of the team as the flight controllers’ right hand and flight statistician. Philippe shared fascinating insights about his decades-long involvement with the festival:
“I started during the 8th or 9th edition, initially overseeing all electrical and phone communications. A few years later, I transitioned to assisting flight controllers, and here I am, still enjoying it many years later.”
Curious about the decision to ground the balloons, we asked Philippe for an explanation:
"The high-altitude winds are too strong, making it risky to fly. Balloons could technically fly at lower altitudes, but Swiss regulations are strict. Unstable winds could hit a balloon unexpectedly - something we’ve seen before, like with the Piccard balloon incident in 2023. It’s just too dangerous."
Philippe also gave us a glimpse into the festival’s history and operations:
"In a great year, we’d see up to 120 flights. Back in the day, all the balloons would launch together, creating a spectacular sight. But for safety reasons, simultaneous launches are no longer allowed. The risk of balloons touching is too great."
Located right next to Philippe, the flight controllers from Skyguide - a dedicated team of three - play a critical role in ensuring the festival runs smoothly. Pilots have to submit flight plans and are required to maintain radio contact before and after each flight. The controllers also liaise with helicopters, paragliders, acrobatic planes, and other aircraft to secure the airspace for the balloons.
A Burst of Color on the Ground
Although the balloons couldn’t take to the skies, the festival organizers ensured visitors still had a vibrant experience. Balloons were inflated on the flying field, allowing attendees to admire their stunning shapes and colors up close.
hot air balloon
hot air balloon
hot air balloon
Children and adults alike were delighted, their eyes lighting up as they explored the mesmerizing display. From classic designs to whimsical creations like the Little Prince balloon, the festival’s opening day was a visual treat, even without flights.
hot air balloon
Petit Prince balloon by French manufacturer Ballons Chaize
A novelty this year was the "dôme de l'envol" (flight dome), allowing everyone to experience the inside of a balloon and its immense space !
dôme de l'envol
dôme de l'envol
The festival continues until February 2nd. Check out the official program for the different daily activities..
A Scenic Return to Montreux
After soaking in the festival atmosphere, we made our way back to Montreux in style aboard the Belle Époque train. These vintage carriages were originally built in 1913. The most regularly used ones today have been rebuilt in 2004 and feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, while maintaining their old-world charm and luxury.
Belle Époque train
The interior is stunning, but the scenery is equally captivating. Gazing out at Lake Geneva and the Montreux Riviera from high above as the train winds its way down the mountainside is an unforgettable experience. In 2023, National Geographic recognized the GoldenPass Express, which travels along this very route, as the best luxury train in the world.
Hotel Mona
Montreux welcomed us with unseasonably warm January weather, perfect for a lakeside stroll. We checked into the newly renovated Hotel Mona. The hotel itself is a fascinating piece of Montreux’s history. Constructed between 1965 and 1967 based on the designs of architect Roland Gonin, the triangular hotel tower was a significant addition to the city’s skyline. At its inauguration, the Eurotel boasted 320 beds across 16 floors, making it the largest hotel built in Switzerland since 1920, reflecting the period's expanding tourism industry. In recent years, the hotel underwent a major renovation under the direction of local architect Christophe Lombardo, revitalizing its aesthetics and giving it a distinct retro vibe.
Hotel Mona
Hotel Mona
Our room on the 15th floor had so much sunlight and beautiful views over the Leman and the nearby Alps !
Hotel Mona - room
Hotel Mona - room
Rock History
The sunny afternoon encouraged us to go out, so we went for a stroll by the lake to admire the lakeside art installations and soak in the summer-like ambiance.
Before Flight, Michel Buchs (1999)
Montreux lakeside
La Grande Envolée, Isabelle Thiltgès (2010)
Our walk led us to the Casino Barrière, home to the Queen Studio Experience. This free exhibition is a tribute to Mountain Studios, where iconic artists like Queen, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones recorded their albums. Queen, in particular, has a special connection to the studio, having recorded six albums there between 1978 and 1995. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into their creative process and the rich musical history of Montreux, which includes also the Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967.
Queen Studio Experience
Queen Studio Experience
Queen Studio Experience
After saying hi to the statue of Freddie Mercury by the lake, we returned to the Hotel Mona.
The Lobby wall reminds of another musical legend. “Smoke on the Water” is a song by English rock band Deep Purple, released on their 1972 studio album Machine Head. The song's lyrics are based on true events, chronicling the 1971 fire at the Montreux Casino. It is now considered the band's signature song.
Freddie Mercury statue
Hotel Monta - Smoke on the Water
Safran Restaurant
Our dinner at Safran, under head chef Xavier Lesueur, was a real delight. Originally from Picardy, Lesueur's background includes earning a Michelin star at Château Le Stelsia in Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot, France. Before joining Safran in 2022, he worked at the Casino Barrière in Montreux. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that highlights traditional French brasserie cuisine.
We tasted the marrowbone and Mont d'Or snails as an entree, and the onion tatin, as well as sweetbreads and risotto as our main dishes. Each dish featured generous portions and exquisite flavors, leaving us thoroughly impressed.
bone marrow and snails
sweetbreads and risotto
onion tatin
Morning with a View
Breakfast the next morning was served at Bel Horizon, a restaurant perched above Lake Geneva. As the only hotel in the region with this unique architectural feature, eating here truly felt like a holiday.
Bel Horizon
breakfast
breakfast
The panoramic view of the lake and mountains, coupled with a serene ambiance, was the perfect way to start the day and reflect on our memorable weekend getaway.
Leman
Leman
You can find additional photos of Hotel Mona here.
