"Winter Palace": Blending the glamorous world of Swiss palace hotels with modern TV drama

On 3 February 2025, the Montreux- Veytaux Library, in collaboration with the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation and the Montreux Archives, hosted a captivating event that gave a wonderful insight into the glamorous world of Swiss palace hotels at the turn of the 20th century. 

The evening, attended by over 200 people, featured a screening of the RTS series "Winter Palace" including scenes filmed at the Caux Palace, and an episode of the documentary series "The Historians," followed by an engaging round table discussion moderated by Anne-Catherine Sutermeister, Head of Swiss Engagement at Caux Initiatives of Change, with Thierry Romanens, actor in the series, Marion Schramm and Evelyne Lüthi-Graf. 

Marion Schramm, the chief set designer of the series, explained how "Winter Palace", which was filmed in collaboration with Netflix, is deeply rooted in historical fact. Working with Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, the historical advisor for the series, Schramm meticulously researched archives, including those of the Caux Palace, to authentically recreate the era's ambiance. The production faced unique challenges, including filming across multiple locations and maintaining consistency in set design and performances over extended periods.

"Hotels are theatres," remarked Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, highlighting how these grand establishments allowed guests to shed their Victorian constraints. The series vividly portrays the intense pressure on staff, the extravagant behavior of the clientele, and the opulent dining experiences of the time, filmed in the Caux Palace Grand Hall.

Thierry Romanens, actor in the series, shared with the audience the magic of filming this series across the different locations. Romanens' role depicted the reality of a local villager forced to adapt to the sophisticated expectations of palace hotel guests.

The event offered a fascinating peek into Switzerland's rich hospitality heritage, blending historical insight with modern television drama. As for the future of "Winter Palace," a potential second season depends on its Netflix performance following its 13 Februar release. 

Interested in learning more about the Montreux palaces during the Belle Epoque? Explore historical artifacts on display from 1 Feb - 1 March at the Montreux-Veytaux Public Library.

You would like to see where some of the "Winter Palace" scenes were filmed? Discover the Caux Palace and sign up for a guided tour.