The Zurcher House

A family history since 1879

In 1879, Arnold Zurcher arrived in Montreux after spending years travelling around Switzerland and abroad. He found the region so beautiful that he decided to settle there. On 18 October of the same year, he opened his first confectionery shop with a tea room on Rue de la Gare.

The renovation of Villa Léman, located on the current site of the confectionery and acquired in 1894, enabled him to open a brand new establishment with a large tea room, a smoking room and a large terrace.

In 1932, his son Arnold succeeded him at the head of the family business. Among other things, he presided over the Swiss Union and then the International Union of Pastry Chefs and Confectioners.

By 1945, international customers had returned to Montreux and the Zurcher Confectionery was experiencing unprecedented growth. A three-piece band was hired to entertain guests in the large lounge, and the street-side terrace now had three rows of tables. The tea room was fashionable, and its guest book was filled with prestigious signatures, just like the region's luxury hotels.

In 1946, management was entrusted to Edouard and his wife Dora. Together, they drew up renovation plans and constructed a new building between 1969 and 1973.

In 1982, the Confectionery, now a century old, was handed over to Antoinette, Edouard's eldest daughter and the fourth generation at the head of the company, thus continuing the Zurcher family's long tradition of hospitality and expertise.

In 2009, Antoinette's daughter Anne, the founder's great-great-granddaughter, took over the management of the business, after making a few changes to bring it more in line with the current era.

And as the story continues to unfold, the tea room was refurbished in spring 2025 to offer even more comfort in this iconic location on the Vaud Riviera.

The Zurcher confectionery has become a must-visit destination that delights families and visitors to Montreux alike.