Solstice at the Caux Palace: Coming together, listening, engaging in dialogue

ABOUT THE EVENT

In the run-up to the Caux Forum 2026, this summer’s Caux Forum 2026, the Caux Palace, a former Belle Époque grand hotel perched above Lake Geneva, opens its doors for an event open to all.

This day is a time to pause, reflect together and reconnect with values essential to community life: humanity, integrity, trust, courage and hope.

Entitled ‘Solstice at the Caux Palace – Coming together, listening, engaging in dialogue’, the event will take place on 21 June (14:00–22:30), to mark the summer solstice — a date celebrated in many cultures as a time of light and renewal.

The gathering invites participants to experience dialogue and cooperation in a spirit of respect and openness:

• Collective erection of a traditional Cree teepee from Canada: a hands-on activity to experience cooperation and build together.
• Opening Ceremony to mark the solstice, with the participation of representatives of Indigenous peoples.
• Exchanges and testimonies: people from all walks of life share what inspires them. Religious and humanist figures engage in dialogue on human dignity, living together and hope. This is no formal ceremony, but a conversation open to all. A time for dignity that forms part of a humanist approach, attentive to the diversity of beliefs and social cohesion. It offers a space for interfaith and civic dialogue within civil society, drawing on our spiritual, cultural and relational resources to strengthen human dignity, trust and democratic coexistence.
• Moments of conviviality and culture: shared meals, an exhibition, singing open to all and watching the sunset.
• For families: games for children will be available.

Since 1946, the Caux Palace has hosted intercultural and intergenerational gatherings in a setting conducive to dialogue, reflection and exchange. This day continues in that spirit, opening it up to local residents and anyone else interested.

Highlights of the programme

From 14:00: Welcome for participants in the gardens

14:00 – 16:15: Setting up the teepee, guided by representatives of Indigenous peoples. An opportunity to discover the skills and worldview of Indigenous communities.

16:15 – 16:45: Opening ceremony to mark the solstice, with the participation of representatives of Indigenous peoples.

16:45 – 17:15: Building trust: the Caux experience

17:30 – 18:30: Cross-readings of diverse voices: people from different backgrounds share what inspires them, each in their own way, around a common question. Not a service, not a ceremony: a conversation spoken aloud, open to the public, on what their respective traditions say about human dignity, living together and hope. The public is invited to listen — and, if the mood takes them, to respond.

18:30 – 19:00: Exhibition opening (in collaboration with Freedom Cartoonists & Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe)

19:00 – 20:30: Dinner

20:30 – 22:00: Solstice and sunset

22:00 – 22:30: The Caux chapel welcomes you for a moment of contemplative singing — open to all, no affiliation required.

Who can take part?

Everyone, regardless of age, background, belief or spiritual affiliation. The main language will be French, but the essence remains encounter, listening and mutual respect.

Come and share a moment of dialogue, reflection and cooperation — and leave inspired to take action in your daily life.

The Venue: the Caux Palace near Montreux, Switzerland

The day takes place at the Caux Palace, our centre dedicated to dialogue and peacebuilding. A former Belle Époque grand hotel, the Caux Palace overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps, at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Its peaceful setting and rich heritage offer a unique and inspiring space conducive to reflection, exchange and collective exploration, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Caux Palace is managed by Caux Initiatives of Change, a Swiss non-profit foundation active since 1946 in intercultural dialogue and conflict resolution.

Discover the rich history of this iconic venue

HOW TO GET TO THE CAUX PALACE

ACCESS

• By train: “Caux” stop on the Montreux-Rochers de Naye train
• By car: from Montreux: take the “Glion - Caux” direction.

A little tip for your car journey from Lausanne or Vevey: use the route via Clarens or Montreux Gare on your GPS. The “Les Avants” option is a mountain road that is longer and more winding and should be avoided.

PARKING

Parking spaces are available nearby.

REDUCED MOBILITY

Wheelchair access and disabled toilets - Find all the details here

Registration and contribution fees

To help us organise this event, registration is required by 16 June 2026.

• Standard rate: CHF 50.00 (recommended for adults)
• Students / under 25s: CHF 25.00
• Solidarity rate: CHF 25.00 (Solidarity rate offered to those for whom the standard rate would be a barrier.)
• Children aged 0–12: Free entry!

The entry fee includes:

• evening meal
• coffee break
• a souvenir for each participant.

If you wish and are able to do so, you may also make a donation of a higher amount. Your contribution will help make this event possible and ensure it is widely accessible to people from all walks of life.