European Heritage Days 2025: Discover the Caux Palace

How to book your Guided Tour

Thank you for your interest in our guided tours during the European Heritage Days. Registration will open on 26 August on the Montreux-Riviera Tourist Office website.

Guided tours on the building’s design and history, led by experts in architecture and heritage.

Saturday, 13 September 2025:

• 10:00 – 11:30
• 12:00 – 13:30
• 13:00 – 14:30
• 15:00 – 16:30
• 16:00 – 17:30

Sunday, 14 September 2025:

• 10:00 – 11:30
• 11:00 – 12:30
• 12:00 – 13:30
• 13:00 – 14:30
• 15:00 – 16:30
• 16:00 – 17:30

(Please note that this programme is subject to change).

YOUR GUIDES :

ALEKSIS DIND, Architect in charge of the renovations at the Caux Palace

As lead architect, Aleksis Dind will present the historical developments of the Caux Palace and how this venue has been transformed over the course of its various incarnations. He will also provide insight into the work currently underway or in preparation at the Caux Palace.

EVELYNE LÜTHI GRAF, former Archivist and Expert in Swiss hotel history

Evelyne Lüthi Graf is passionate about Swiss hotel history. As director of the Swiss Hotel Archives for the past decade, she knows all the ins and outs of this unique field, which reflects the ‘Swiss genius’ in its own way.

NICOLA PASQUARELLO, Art Historian

With a master's degree in art history in 2024, Nicola Pasquarello is particularly interested in architecture and the heritage of the Vaud region. He regularly gives guided tours in Lausanne.

CAROLE SCHRAUB, Archivist in charge of private collections at the Montreux Archives

Carole Schaub is an architectural historian specialising in hotel architecture. She will offer a unique perspective on the Caux Palace based on the archives of the City of Montreux and her scientific research on the history of the hotel industry in the region.

Saturday, 13 September 2025:

• 14:00 – 15:30
• 17:00 – 18:30

Sunday, 14 September 2025:

• 14:00 – 15:30

(Please note that this programme is subject to change).

YOUR GUIDES:

• Andrew Stallybrass, Specialist and witness to the transformations of the Caux Palace over the past few decades
• Anne-Catherine Sutermeister, Historian and Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes - Switzerland at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

With:

• Christoph Keller, Technical Director of the Caux Palace until 2016

(Please note that this programme is subject to change).

Lecture on the century-long transformations of the Caux Palace.

With: 

• Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, Historian and archivist specialising in the history of Swiss hospitality

Where : Theatre (4th floor)
(Please note that this programme is subject to change).

__________________________________________________________________

EVELYNE LÜTHI GRAF, former Archivist and Expert in Swiss hotel history

Evelyne Lüthi Graf is passionate about Swiss hotel history. As director of the Swiss Hotel Archives for the past decade, she knows all the ins and outs of this unique field, which reflects the ‘Swiss genius’ in its own way.

Round table with:

• Aleksis Dind, Architect in charge of the work at the Caux Palace
• Carole Schaub, Architect specialising in hotel history
• Muriel Thalmann, President of Patrimoine Vaud

Moderator:

• Anne-Catherine Sutermeister, Historian and Head of Community Engagement, Arts & Training Programmes - Switzerland at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation

(Please note that this programme is subject to change.)

___________________________________________________________

ALEKSIS DIND, Architect in charge of the renovations at the Caux Palace

As lead architect, Aleksis Dind will present the historical developments of the Caux Palace and how this venue has been transformed over the course of its various incarnations. He will also provide insight into the work currently underway or in preparation at the Caux Palace.

CAROLE SCHRAUB, Archivist in charge of private collections at the Montreux Archives

Carole Schaub is an architectural historian specialising in hotel architecture. She will offer a unique perspective on the Caux Palace based on the archives of the City of Montreux and her scientific research on the history of the hotel industry in the region.

MURIEL THALMANN, President of Patrimoine Vaud & Member of the Grand Council, Canton of Vaud

Muriel Thalmann is President of Patrimoine Vaud and a member of the Grand Council of the Canton of Vaud. She is committed to protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable regional development.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Enjoy the Gardens of the Caux Palace during a moment suspended in time, where you can listen to your five senses and discover this spectacular heritage in a unique way.

This interactive and exceptional tour is offered by the TransformAction Lab (EPER). Clothing and footwear suitable for a short walk outdoors are required.

The detailed programme will be available on 26 August.

ABOUT THE WORKHOP

Native to North America—especially the Mississippi Basin and Florida—Pitch Pine was brought to Europe in the late 19th century due to its reputation for durability and resistance to rot. This wood was extensively used for the doors and window frames during the construction of the Caux Palace in 1902.

In this workshop, you will explore the Caux Palace workshops and follow the restoration process of a window crafted from this valuable wood. You will also learn techniques for renovating the wooden and wrought iron benches that decorate the Esplanade.