1 August 2025: Celebrate Swiss National Day at the Caux Palace

Join us for a festive moment on 1 August 2025, celebrating Swiss National Day at the magnificent Caux Palace, a historic monument offering one of the finest views of the Leman region.

This celebration, co-organised with the Société de développement de Caux, will offer you the opportunity to discover the building, visit two inspiring exhibitions, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and experience live music in a unique setting. It also marks the final day of the Caux Forum.

• Date: 1 August 2025 (15:00 - 23:00)

• Address: Rue du Panorama 2 - 1824 Caux / Montreux (VD)

Programme

15:00

• Exhibitions (free admission) - more info below
• Guided tours of the Caux Palace (registration on-site, free admission) - more info below
• From 15:00, lounge music with DJ Mariana
• Refreshments & snacks including raclette, grilled sausages and meat, salads and desserts, served with local wines and other drinks. 
   

18:30

• The 1st August procession leaves from the Caux train station to the Caux Gardens and is followed by Alphorn music in the gardens.

20:15 

• Speeches & Pact

21:00 - 23:00

• Music with DJ Mariana, drinks, raclette...

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DISCOVER THE CAUX PALACE WITH A GUIDED TOURS 

Our guided tours of the Caux Palace are a wonderful way to discover this historic monument of national interest, offering one of the most spectacular views of the Leman and the Swiss Alps. This former Belle Époque hotel, recently featured in the RTS series "Winter Palace", is a unique piece of Swiss heritage. Its architecture, history and cultural role make it a fascinating place with a rich heritage.

During one of our guided tours, you will discover prestigious spaces, like the theatre and the Main Hall and explore behind-the-scenes areas, such as the laundry and the construction workshops.

You will also find out more about Initiatives of Change and its activities in Switzerland and abroad.

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VISIT OUR INSPIRING EXHIBITIONS

"Democracy? What democracy?!"

• Location: Outdoor Esplanade in the gardens of the Caux Palace – Rue du Panorama 2 – 1824 Caux

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

At a time when the core values of democracy are being radically challenged, the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation is presenting an exhibition of around forty cartoons on this theme, by the cartoonists Gado (Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA) and Nadia KHIARI, also Willis from Tunis.

Through the sharp, ironic and sometimes cynical eyes of these two artists from the African continent, the exhibition shows snapshots of European and world political events in recent years.

The drawings reveal how democracy has become a concept emptied of its original meaning, and misappropriated, flouted, reinterpreted or exploited. Like freedom, democracy is fast becoming a hackneyed term, whose deeper meaning is lost in the twists and turns of an increasingly elusive global political chessboard. 

This exhibition is organised in collaboration with Freedom Cartoonists - Dessins pour la liberté.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Godfrey MWAMPEMBWA, known as Gado, is a Tanzanian graphic journalist, editorial cartoonist, animator, and TV producer. His work has appeared in The EastAfrican, Daily Nation, Le Monde, Deutsche Welle, and The Continent, among others. He is the co-founder of Buni Media and creator of the award-winning satirical puppet show The XYZ Show.

A trained animator from Vancouver Film School, Gado has received numerous honors, including the Prince Claus Laureate, Ford Foundation Visionaries Award, Cartooning for Peace Award, and France’s Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. He’s been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Africa by NewAfrican magazine and has held fellowships at the Bellagio Center and STIAS.

Nadia KHIARI, known as Willis from Tunis, is a Tunisian cartoonist and visual arts teacher. Her iconic cartoon cat, Willis, was born during the 2011 Tunisian revolution and has since become a sharp, daily satirical voice on social and political issues.

She teaches at Sciences Po in Menton, France, publishes regularly in Siné Mensuel and Courrier International, and serves on the board of Cartooning for Peace.

Nadia's work has earned numerous awards, including the Honoré Daumier Prize, Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Liège, the International Prize for Political Satire, and the Sokol Prize.

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"Dialogues on Humanity"

An exhibition produced thanks to a partnership between Photo Elysée - Lausanne, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

• Location: Outdoor Esplanade in the gardens of the Caux Palace – Rue du Panorama 2 – 1824 Caux

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

How can photography help us understand humanitarian principles? Humanitarian crises around the world make the headlines every day. The images associated with these tragedies are often linked to tears, suffering, hunger, despair, loneliness, separation and desolation. We sometimes feel powerless and overwhelmed by the images of crises, violence, armed conflicts and natural disasters. 

This contemporary art exhibition is a reaction to these feelings. The three partners mentioned above have developed a concept that allows us to take a step back from the images that surround us and to pause, reflect and feel. The idea is to provide a space for discussion about humanitarian principles, and to share opinions on the evolution of the world in which we live.

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About the Caux Palace & Caux Initiatives of Change 

The Caux Palace is a former luxury hotel offering breathtaking views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. Nestled in the mountains at 1,000 metres above Montreux, it was born from the bold vision of Vaud-born promoter Ami Chessex and renowned architect Eugène Jost, who also designed the Montreux Palace. When it opened in 1902, the Caux Palace was one of the largest and most prestigious palaces in Switzerland.

An iconic regional landmark, the Caux Palace is built on an impressive historic retaining wall with distinctive arches and a 400-metre-long promenade.

In 1946, the building was purchased by 100 Swiss families who sought to transform it into a meeting place for peace and reconciliation in post-war Europe. This vision laid the groundwork for the Palace’s enduring role as a centre for dialogue and trustbuilding.

Today, the Caux Palace is owned by the Caux Initiatives of Change, a Swiss private charitable foundation. Its mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip, and connect individuals, groups, and organisations from around the world to engage effectively and innovatively in promoting trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living, and human security.

The site is also part of the Peace Park Initiative, in partnership with the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), to be inaugurated on 8 July 2025. This global effort recognizes meaningful places as spaces for reflection, dialogue, and environmental stewardship.

Find out more about our events and programmes

About Swiss National Day

1 August marks Swiss National Day, celebrating the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. Across the country, people gather to enjoy traditions like fireworks, bonfires, alphorn performances, and flag parades.

Cities, towns, and villages host local festivities with speeches, music, and communal meals, while many homes display the Swiss flag and light paper lanterns.

Whether in the mountains or by the lakes, it's a day of unity, reflection, and pride in Switzerland’s heritage of independence, democracy, and peace.

Join us for this special day at the Caux Palace! We look forward to celebrating this day with you!

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How to get to the Caux Palace

• By train : Stop at the ‘Caux’ station on the Montreux-Rochers de Naye train.
• By car : from Montreux, take Glion / Caux
• Parking : parking spaces are available close to the Caux Palace