Practical Information

With its breathtaking views across the Leman from an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level, the Caux Palace is a historic venue that transformed into an international meeting place for Initiatives of Change in 1946, thanks to the generous contributions of countless volunteers and supporters.

Despite its grandeur, the Caux Palace remains a humble place at its core, aiming to inspire, equip, and connect individuals and organizations to become the change they wish to see in the world.

Owned and managed by the Swiss foundation, Caux Initiatives of Change, the Caux Palace serves as a historical and inspiring center for reconciliation, peacebuilding, trust building, sustainability, ethical business, creative leadership, and more. Learn more about the history of Caux here.

The Caux Palace is not a hotel but a purposeful meeting place, offering a safe space for people from all walks of life. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Caux and discover how this extraordinary place lies at the heart of the Caux Transformative Experience.           

More about Caux Initiatives of Change

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We highly recommend that you travel to Caux by public transport as parking spaces are limited. Caux’s train station is situated right next to the Caux Palace. Caux can be reached within one and a half hours by car or train from Geneva, and two hours from Bern. Trains run every hour from both Geneva Airport and Bern.

• For exact travel times and connections, please consult www.rail.ch
• Click here for a detailed map of the area.

IMPORTANT: If you are travelling by car (or taxi) from Lausanne/Vevey, make sure to adjust your GPS route passing by « Clarens » or « Montreux Gare ». Do not take the automatic recommendation going by « Les Avants » as this will take you through a longer curvy mountain road and the ride is much longer and complicated. 

Participants’ rooms will be ready and available for check-in from 14:00 CEST on the day of arrival. Our team is informed of your estimated time of arrival in Caux and we will do our best to welcome you at the entrance of the building to help you check in and find your room.

On the day of departure, the forum will end with lunch. For organisational reasons and to prepare our spaces for other events will kindly request all participants to check out by 10:00 am on the day of departure and to leave the site before 14:00.

Caux is situated at 1050m above sea level and it can quickly get chilly. Please make sure to familiarize yourselves with the appropriate clothing requirements based on the season when traveling to Caux.

Please note that there are no shops and no restaurants available in Caux and that you will need to go down the mountain to Glion or Montreux for any shopping.

Remember to bring your own medicine if needed, we are unable to provide any to you.

With a capacity of up to 450 guests, our intentionally distraction-free rooms provide an environment conducive to reflection, connection, and meaningful experiences. 

Therefore, you won't find televisions, mini-bars, hair dryers or room service in our rooms. Bedrooms in the Caux Palace are equipped with single beds. In rooms with twin occupancy, separate beds can be moved together for couples. 

All standard bedrooms are located in the Caux Palace and have a balcony with a stunning view over the Alps and the Leman, or direct access to the garden. The standard rooms in the Caux Palace are equipped with shower/bath, WC, telephone and free Wi-Fi-internet access.  

Our economy single rooms have shared bathrooms and WC, no balcony and face the back of the building. Housekeeping services are provided once per week during your stay.  

Should you require any assistance or have specific needs during your stay, our teams are at your full disposal and ready to help with anything you might need. 

Please note that smoking is prohibited inside the building and on balconies. 

We look forward to offering you well-balanced meals, mostly inspired by European cooking traditions. We favor seasonal produce from environmentally sustainable sources. Meals are served as a self-service buffet, open at specific times, and a vegetarian option wlil be available during lunch and dinner. During the Caux Democracy Forum, Hallal options will be available for lunch and dinner.

Meals include fresh mountain water and coffee or tea. 

Please note that for food safety and health reasons, there are no storage space or fridges for personal food. We also ask you not to keep any perishable food in your bedroom.

If you have medical or health issues, our catering service will do its best to accommodate most standard dietary requests. We can also meet requests for gluten-free and lactose-free diets. Low fat meals are not provided, but you will be able to choose appropriate food at our buffets. In order to welcome people with different religious backgrounds we do not serve pork.

Please make sure to inform us about your dietary needs in advance, (see registration form) as we might not be able to accommodate late or on-site requests.

It can get quite cold in Caux so you may want to bring some warm clothes even during the summer. Sturdy shoes for a hike and closed shoes may also be of use. There is no formal dress code, but please bring clothing that is respectful and inclusive of all participants.

A public laundry room offers everything you will need to wash, dry and iron your clothes. 

At Caux Initiatives of Change, we are committed to creating a secure and inclusive environment for all. We enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of misconduct to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. If you encounter any inappropriate behavior during our events, please promptly notify a staff member and request to speak with “Aretha”.

This code ensures that trained staff will address your concerns promptly and discreetly and ensure appropriate action is taken. Caux Initiatives of Change retains the right to expel any attendee displaying disrespectful behavior, with the duration of expulsion determined at our discretion.

Find out more about our commitment to the Aretha Charter.

SMOKING AREAS

The Caux Palace and Villa Maria buildings are a non-smoking zones. There are designated smoking areas outside the buildings. Smoking on the balconies is forbidden for fire security reasons.

ALCOHOL RECOMMENDATIONS

Between 2024 and 2025, we hosted over 120 events in Caux throughout the calendar year.
Each event organiser is free to decide whether alcohol may be offered and consumed at the Caux Palace and at Villa Maria.

During the Caux Forums organised by the Caux Foundation, whether in summer or at other times of the year, we welcome people from very diverse cultures, traditions and faiths. For some, wine and beer are naturally part of the local culture.
For others, their religious beliefs, spiritual journey or personal choices lead them to avoid alcohol or to be very cautious about its consumption by others.
Our aim is therefore to find a respectful balance.

During the Caux IDG Forum 2026, participants who wish to enjoy local wine and beer will be able to do so in the dining room and on the terrace of the Caux Palace. Wine and beer will be available for purchase at a designated point during dinner time.

During the Caux Democracy Forum 2026, local wine and beer will be served only on the evening of the second day.

Please note that bringing alcohol onto the premises is not allowed, and that any alcohol purchased during the Caux IDG Forum must be consumed in the dining room or on the terrace.

For those who would like to explore the local wine and beer culture in a different setting, the Solidarity Café in Caux and the CouCou restaurant in Haut-de-Caux offer suitable spaces to enjoy these traditions.

Caux's beautiful location high above the Leman offers an ideal environment to relax. The conference schedule allows time for individual reflection and for cultural or outdoor activities. 

Caux Forum participants receive the Riviera Card which offers free travel to Montreux and Vevey, reduced train fees up to the Rocher-de-Naye as well as numerous discounts for museums and other activities.

The schedule may include opportunities to share your artistic talents and pianos are available. 

There is a self-guided Belle-Epoque historical walk starting right outside the Caux Palace reception.

If you consider hiking in the mountains during your stay in Caux, please make sure to check out the basic tips to stay safe and avoid accidents or injuries. This document is available at reception.

Please make sure you have adequate health insurance to cover your journey and stay in Caux since the Swiss medical system is expensive.

For a large number of sessions, interpretation services will be provided through the AI-supported platform Wordly.

During the Caux Democracy Forum, French in-person interpretation will be available during certain sessions.

The Caux Forum welcomes journalists, bloggers, organisations, institutions and individuals who wish to cover Caux Forum events. Depending on your role and who you represent, different requirements, terms and conditions will apply.  For any request to cover the Caux Forum, including interviews with participants or speakers, please contact us by filling out the form for media coverage.

The water from our mountain springs is readily available and safe for consumption straight from the taps.

Help us reduce our carbon footprint !

In recent years, Caux Initiatives of Change has taken various measures to reduce its carbon footprint and to promote sustainable living.

Since May 2025 we have received the Swisstainable label (Level II), a certification that recognizes our active participation in the sustainability program led by Switzerland Tourism.

• Wood-fired boiler was installed in the Caux Palace in 2017. This has reduced both our direct CO2 emissions and those associated with transporting fuel. (approximately 600 tonnes of Co2 per year)
• Most lighting is energy-efficient LED lighting.
• Local energy supply, mainly from renewable sources.
• We try to work as much as possible with local and seasonal products.
• Use of cleaning products from a range specifically recognized as eco-friendly (Maya and Ecolab) and we have joined the Sapocycle program to recycle the discarded soaps and distribute them to families in need.
• Caux Forum notebooks, bags and other official merchandise are made from sustainable materials.
• In 2024 we have stopped the use of plastic and pic-nic bags during our events.
• Since 2016 all Caux Initiatives of Change promotional materials have been printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or recycled paper. This ensures that the paper is produced from responsibly-managed sources.

You can help us in the following ways:

• Switch off the lights when you leave your room.
• Unplug your battery charger as soon as your device is recharged. Don’t leave the charger plugged in overnight.
• Save water by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
• Avoid unnecessary washing of towels and sheets by following the housekeeping recommendations.
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator: this saves electricity and helps to keep you fit.
• When the heating is on, don’t leave the window open for more than ten minutes.
• Reduce food waste by only taking as much food from the buffet as you will eat. If you are going out for a meal, please sign out in advance.
• Travel to and from Caux by public transport. The historical train is 2 min away and offers a stunning view. Car sharing is another good option.
• If you travel by plane, we warmly encourage you offset your carbon emissions.

Reduce plastic waste by refilling your water bottle from the tap. We encourage you to bring your own bottle, especially if you have one from a previous edition in Caux. Tap water in the Caux Palace is drinkable and comes from our own mountain springs.

The Caux Palace & Villa Maria are part of the OK:GO initiative!

We are delighted to be taking part in the OK:GO initiative set up by the Swiss Tourism Federation. This initiative enables businesses, in particular those in the hospitality sector, to make information on the accessibility of their buildings available to their customers at a glance. 

For people with reduced mobility, information on accessibility plays an important role when planning a trip.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by EMAIL.

The Caux Palace offers a safe place to people from all walks of life. To make sure that everyone feels respected, please read our guide for an ethical use of photos of peope on social media and public platforms

Invitation to Visa Information and Guidance Session (Zoom) for Caux Forum 2026 participants 

Do you need a visa for your participation at the Caux Forum 2026?

We understand that applying for a visa can feel daunting, and that the possibility of rejection, along with the emotional, administrative, and financial costs involved, may create hesitation. Your concerns are valid, and we want to acknowledge the courage it takes to begin this process. At the same time, we warmly encourage you to proceed: many participants from around the world successfully obtain visas each year, and starting early significantly increases your chances.  Your presence in Caux matters, and we hope these challenges will not prevent you from taking this important step toward joining the Caux Forum next summer.

As you prepare for your journey to Caux, we warmly invite you to join a dedicated Visa Information & Guidance Session on Zoom. This meeting is designed to support you in understanding the visa process for travelling to Switzerland and to help you prepare your application as effectively as possible.

Date and Time:

• Thursday 11 December 2025 - session 1 at 9:00 CET and session 2 at 18:00 CET
• Wednesday 14 January 2026 - session 3 at 9:00 CET and session 4 at 18:00 CET
• Wednesday 4 February 2026 - session 5 at 9:00 CET and session 6 at 18:00 CET
• Wednesday 25 February 2026 - session 7 at 9:00 CET and session 8 at 18:00 CET

Please note that a Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

SIGN UP FOR ONE OF OUR INFO SESSIONS HERE!

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Visa Applications for your Stay in Caux

Your presence in Caux is important, and we hope these challenges will not prevent you from taking this important step toward joining the Caux Forum next summer.

Visa processes can vary significantly from one country to another, and during peak periods appointment times may be limited. We strongly encourage you to:

• Start your visa process as early as possible (ideally 3 months before your trip to Switzerland)
• Check your passport validity (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel)
• Book embassy appointments immediately once they open
• Use the information from the Visa Information & Guidance Session to prepare your documents well in advance

Beginning early is the best way to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure that nothing prevents you from joining this important gathering in Caux.

To ensure clarity, we wish to outline what this session can and cannot address:

✔️ What we can offer

• General guidance on the Swiss visa procedure
• Information on the documents participants must prepare
• Caux Foundation confirmation letters for registered participants
• Advice on timing and recommended steps
• An open Q&A on visa-related topics

❌ What we cannot offer

• Individual legal advice or case-specific immigration counselling
• Influence on embassy/consulate decisions (all decisions are made solely by Swiss authorities)
• Guarantee of visa approval

Please note that each Caux Forum participant is responsible for submitting their own visa application and ensuring that all required documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in time.

We look forward to seeing you in Caux this summer! 

As the Caux Palace is classified a historical monument of national importance and for the convenience of all guests, dogs or any other pets are not allowed in the building. We thank you in advance for not bringing any pets with you during your stay.

• On arrival, please read the fire instructions in your room and identify your nearest exit.
• In case of emergency, follow our team’s instructions.
• The Reception Desk only provides first aid treatment; it does not provide medications.
• Always lock your room when leaving.
• In case of fire or emergency, call 9000 from any internal phone.

Please check the Terms and Conditions for your particular event:

• Terms & Conditions Caux Inner Development Goals Forum
• Terms & Condtions Caux Democracy Forum
• Terms & Conditions Reimagining Democracy(ies) (coming up soon)
• Terms & Conditions Global IofC Fellowship Gathering (coming up soon)
• Terms & Conditions GAIN Caux Scholars Alumni Gathering (coming up soon)

There are two designated car parks near the Caux Palace with spaces for about 60 cars. All parking spaces are free of charge. There are more parking lots available close by but we recommend that you use our spaces first according to availability.

Caux Foundation Solidarity Fund

Empowering participation, celebrating diversity: Your Donation Makes a Difference!

The Caux Foundation Solidarity Fund ensures that financial barriers do not prevent committed individuals from taking part in the Caux Forums. (Read more).

Rooted in our values of inclusion, diversity, and solidarity, the fund enables participation from voices that are essential to global dialogue—particularly individuals from the Global South and those facing economic challenges.

By contributing to the Caux Foundation Solidarity Fund when completing your registration, you help foster a richer, more diverse community of participants.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference! THANK YOU!

MAKE A DONATION