24/07/2026
👑 A ROYAL VISIT, a mystery and a remarkable reunion with history at the Caux Palace ✨
We were honoured to welcome Her Highness Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda, whose family's history is closely intertwined with that of Caux Palace.
🏰 Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda stayed at Caux Palace on several occasions in the early 20th century, including in 1906. During his visits, he occupied much of the Palace's fourth floor. His private suite, located in the south-west corner of the Palace, offered breathtaking views over Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps and was furnished with bespoke lemonwood furniture created especially for the Maharaja. Remarkably, this exceptional furniture and the room's original décor have been preserved to this day.
✨ Built between 1900 and 1902 by architect Eugène Jost, the Caux Palace is a jewel of the Belle Époque. Today, it is recognised as a historic monument of national importance and remains one of Switzerland's most remarkable heritage sites, celebrated for its architecture, history and cultural legacy.
📜 A highlight of the visit was a special presentation by Victoire Monnat, documentation specialist from the Archives of Montreux, who shared archival documents relating to the Maharaja's stay in 1906. Among them were remarkable papers preserved from the archives of Théophile Rouge, the Palace's concierge in the early 20th century. According to family tradition, these handwritten documents belonged to the Maharaja. After reportedly disappearing during transport and resurfacing several months later, they have remained an intriguing mystery for more than 120 years, with neither their contents nor their authorship yet fully understood.
🤝 As these fascinating records were explored together, Her Highness enriched the occasion with family memories and insights passed down through generations, adding a deeply personal dimension to the archival material and helping reconnect fragments of a story that has endured for more than a century.
💫 What began as a visit became a meaningful journey through history, where archival records, personal memories and shared conversations brought the past vividly to life. It was a rare and moving reminder that history is not only preserved in documents and historic places, but also in the stories people carry with them.
🌍 We are deeply grateful for moments like these, which reflect the Caux Palace's enduring tradition of welcoming guests from around the world and celebrating connections that span generations, cultures and continents. More than 120 years after the Maharaja's stay, this visit reaffirmed the Caux Palace's unique role as a place where remarkable stories continue to be rediscovered and shared.
🔗 Discover more about the rich history of the Caux Palace and visit us on 13 September for the European Heritage Days: link in comment
Initiatives of Change International Commune de Montreux - Officiel Vevey Archives Cantonales Vaudoises Anne-Catherine Sutermeister Ignacio Packer
Photos: Sayali Powale, Jules David, Lilan Dayananda, Arpan Yagnik