Mur de soutènement - Roadmap des travaux
Built in 1902 by visionary developer Ami Chessex and renowned architect Eugène Jost, the Caux Palace was designated a historic monument of national importance in August 2025.
A spectacular building of the Belle Epoque, this former luxury hotel overlooks Montreux with breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Geneva and embodies much more than just architectural splendour. Its 125-year-old retaining wall now requires significant repair work.
The restoration of the retaining wall is a major project that will take three years to complete.
Where we are today
The restoration is structured in several phases
2025 - Phases 0 & 1: Testing, Consolidation and method validation
The first works began in September 2025 on the southern section of the wall. These initial phases were essential to test and validate the methods that will guide the full restoration.
Phase 0 focused on testing the repair and consolidation approach*, using construction techniques and elements from the early 20th century in order to preserve the historic appearance of the wall.
*Technical supervision of this project is provided by Roger Simond SA.
Phase 1 focused on stabilising and reinforcing the foundations of the buttresses. This was carried out with the support of Medusoil, using an innovative biocement solution. This approach helps reduce the ecological footprint of the work while ensuring stability, durability and compatibility with the constraints of a historic structure.
2026 - Phase 2: major works on the south-eastern section
Following the consolidation work and the validation of the restoration method in 2025, the main phase of works is now underway.
The building permit has been received and the major works have begun on the wall facings and on the replacement of damaged stone blocks, starting with buttress no. 2.
The objective for 2026 is to complete the restoration of the entire south-eastern section of the wall, up to the railway gallery. This represents approximately 200 metres of the structure.
This phase includes:
- restoration of the wall facings;
- renovation of the buttresses and vaults;
- replacement of the most damaged stone blocks where necessary;
- complete reconstruction of the historic promenade slab above the wall;
- restoration and reinstallation of the original 1900 guardrail;
- careful protection of the trees along the esplanade throughout the works.
One of the main challenges is to carry out large-scale works directly in front of the Palace while limiting the impact on the activities of the Foundation and the hospitality school.
2027 — Phase 3: continuation of the restoration
The next phase is expected to continue the restoration towards the north-eastern part of the wall, subject to funding.
Once the full wall has been restored, the project will also allow the reinstallation of the promenade lighting. This includes a dedicated study to recreate the historic lamp posts as faithfully as possible to the original 1902 design, based only on a limited number of photographs and postcards.
Heritage, trees and landscape
The retaining wall is not the only element being preserved. The esplanade and its landscape are also part of the historic identity of the Caux Palace.
A detailed tree assessment was carried out by Leuba SA. The age, health and estimated lifespan of the trees vary, but several have high or very high dendrological value, including a purple beech, common lime trees and an Oriental spruce.
All trees along the esplanade are being carefully protected during the works. This is particularly important because many roots are located very close to — or even within — the concrete slab of the promenade. Reconstructing the slab while avoiding damage to these trees is therefore one of the delicate challenges of the project.
Partnership with Medusoil
The choice of Medusoil for the restoration work on the retaining wall reflects the desire to reconcile respect for heritage with the adoption of modern best practices in sustainable development.
For the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, this restoration goes beyond the purely structural: it reflects its mission to safeguard this historic monument, while setting an example of sustainability.
Environmentally friendly management and responsible use of resources are therefore at the heart of the project.
Advantages of the biocement solution proposed by Medusoil:
- Reduced ecological footprint: thanks to the use of innovative organic binders, CO₂ emissions are reduced by around 55% compared to conventional materials, helping to meet sustainability requirements while minimising environmental impact.
- Technical performance: stability, load-bearing capacity and risk mitigation (particularly soil liquefaction) ensure compatibility with the specific constraints of restoring a historic wall, while guaranteeing safety and durability.
- Efficiency and zero waste: the application system developed by Medusoil, combined with a commitment to economic efficiency, upholds the principles of responsible resource management.
The next steps
This unique renovation project is estimated to cost 3.2 million Swiss francs.
We need your help to preserve this jewel of Swiss heritage and secure its legacy for future generations.
Every contribution helps safeguard the Caux Palace!
MAKE A DONATION
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Couleurs locales
On the 30 September, "Couleurs locales", a local news television program by RTS (Radio Télévision Suisse) that explore current events in French-speaking Switzerland, aired a report on the restoration of the retaining wall. Discover it here:
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With the generous support of
