Chateau de Chillon is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Europe.  Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, it is made up of 25 building units inside its walls.  The castle is exceptional because of its dual facade - the impregnable fortress on the side facing the mountains, and the princely residence which faces the lake.  From it's inception, the rocky islet of Chillon was a strategic position.  The oldest part of the castle dates back to 1160. The present castle, including the unique inner courtyards, and the great halls,  dates back to the 13th century.  Since 1798, Chillon has been the property of the Canton Vaud and the public may visit all parts of the beautifully restored castle.

The history of Chillon is marked by the figure of Francois Bonivard, imprisoned there from 1530 to 1536, whom Lord Byron was to make immortal in his poem, "The Prisoner of Chillon".