Café solidaire 2026
A blend of history, views and inspiration: Le Café des Galeries is back
19 June – 16 August 2026 – Caux Palace
A warm welcome – Hot and cold drinks – Stunning views – Exhibitions – Gardens – Relaxation
This summer, treat yourself to an exceptional experience: Caux Initiatives and Change is reopening the Café des Galeries, a welcoming and community-minded venue housed in the former post office of the legendary Caux Palace.
At an altitude of 1,000 metres, between Montreux and Les Rochers-de-Naye, this café like no other invites you to enjoy much more than just a tasty break: savour a moment of tranquillity whilst taking in spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, in a setting steeped in history, where friendliness, inclusion and inspiration reign.
Whether you’re visiting, attending our forums or simply out for a stroll – come and enjoy a coffee, tea or cold drink, all carefully prepared with a focus on sustainability and local sourcing.
And the little extra?
Explore the magnificent gardens of the Caux Palace and visit our summer exhibitions!
- LOCATION: The former Caux Palace Post Office, Rue du Panorama 2, 1824 Caux/Montreux (50m from Caux station)
- CAFÉ OPENING HOURS: 18 June – 16 August 2026 (Thursday – Sunday, 14:00 - 18:00)
- OPEN IN GOOD WEATHER only – if in doubt, check Google Maps for opening times
A place of meaning and solidarity
But this place also has a deeper meaning: the Café des Galeries is a solidarity project, run in collaboration with EVAM (Vaud Migrant Reception Centre). Service is provided by people on social integration programmes, supervised and supported by the Caux Palace team, as part of an educational and professional support initiative.
A visit to the Café des Galeries will give you the opportunity to:
- take part in a human and hopeful project
- encourage social integration through a rewarding activity
- support our work and the preservation of the Caux Palace, a historic architectural gem built in 1902
- make a gesture of solidarity with a ‘suspended coffee’: treat a stranger to a coffee
- discover our exhibitions, our gardens, and the many events & activities organised by the Fondation de Caux
Take a step back, enjoy a moment of solidarity and savour the beauty of the surroundings!
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Help us bring this wonderful solidarity project to life
Would you like to support our solidarity café project? You can make a donation via TWINT by scanning the QR code or by credit card.
This summer: VISIT OUR EXHIBITIONS
“Europe in Posters: From 1945 to the Present Day” – An exhibition tracing 80 years of political posters on Europe (in collaboration with the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe)
“Drawing Against Silence” – An exhibition of press cartoons by Hani Abbas and Emad Hajjaj (in collaboration with the Freedom Cartoonists Foundation)
- LOCATION: Les Galeries at the Caux Palace, Rue du Panorama 2, 1824 Caux/Montreux (50m from Caux station)
- EXHIBITION - OPENING HOURS: Thursday–Sunday, 14:00 - 18:00 on the following dates:
- 20 & 21 June 2026
- 9–12 July 2026
- 30 July–16 August 2026
In the footsteps of Sissi and the Belle Époque: Guided tour
Le Café des Galeriesis also an ideal starting point for a guided tour of the Caux Palace & Grand Hôtel on 18 July 2026 (1.15 pm – 5.00 pm)
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of these century-old buildings, architectural masterpieces built in the early 20th century, and discover their hidden corners, historic salons and this summer’s art exhibitions, both indoors and in the gardens. Book your place here.
Can’t make it to the guided tour on 18 July?
We also offer guided tours on request (subject to availability). To find out more, contact us.
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How to find us?
- By train: ‘Caux’ stop on the Montreux-Rochers de Naye line
- By car: from Montreux: follow signs for ‘Glion - Caux’.
- Parking: Parking spaces are available nearby.
- A tip for your journey by car from Lausanne or Vevey: select the route via Clarens or Montreux Gare on your satnav. The “Les Avants” option is a mountain road that is longer and winding and should be avoided.
About the Caux Palace and Caux Initiatives of Change
The Caux Palace, recognised as a historic monument of national importance, is a former luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Nestled in the mountains, 1,000 metres above Montreux, it was born of the bold vision of the Vaud-based developer Ami Chessex and the famous 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 icon of the region, the Caux Palace is built on an impressive historic retaining wall featuring characteristic arches and a 400-metre-long promenade.
In 1946, the building was purchased by 100 Swiss families who wished to transform it into a meeting place for peace and reconciliation in post-war Europe. This vision laid the foundations for the Caux Palace’s enduring role as a centre for dialogue and confidence-building.
Today, the Caux Palace is owned by the private Swiss foundation Caux Initiatives of Change. Its mission is to provide a safe and privileged space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the world so that they can engage effectively and innovatively in promoting trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security.
Since July 2025, the site has also been part of the Parks of Peace initiative, in partnership with the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT). This global initiative recognises significant sites as spaces for reflection, dialogue and responsible environmental stewardship.
Find out more about our 2026 events