Caux Palace on show in Winter Palace by Netflix and RTS

Perched high above Montreux, Caux Palace—a jewel of Belle Époque architecture—serves as the centerpiece for the new Netflix and RTS series Winter Palace. This lush saga, premiering on December 26, unveils the history and allure of the world of luxury mountain hospitality at the dawn of the 20th century. With its own rich history and breathtaking grandeur, Caux Palace, home to Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) serves not only as a filming location but plays an integral character in the series, serving as a mirror to the dreams and challenges of those who dared to shape the Swiss hospitality industry. 

The premiere screening took place at the Capitole House of Cinema in Lausanne. Itself a landmark cinema, it was a fitting venue to debut a series rooted in Swiss heritage. The event brought together cast, crew, and guests to celebrate the show’s launch. 

A Belle Époque masterpiece

Built in 1895, Caux Palace was conceived by Ami Chessex and architect Eugène Jost as a pinnacle of luxury and innovation. For the international bourgeoisie seeking the purity of mountain air and the opulence of Swiss hospitality. Caux Palace stood as the crown jewel above Lake Geneva. During its heyday, Caux Palace welcomed luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling, John D. Rockefeller, and members of the Kellogg and Gillette families. The rich and famous traveled to this mountain retreat to indulge in its lavish offerings and escape the demands of urban life, much like the fictional guests of Winter Palace in the series. The architecture of Caux Palace is an embodiment of Belle Époque elegance, featuring grand ballrooms, exquisite dining halls, and panoramic terraces—spaces that exemplify both the decadence and the aspiration of the era, which make Caux Palace the perfect backdrop for the allure and ambition portrayed in the series.

The rise and fall of a luxury icon

The prosperity of Caux Palace, like many of its contemporaries, was tested by global events. The First World War and the 1929 economic crash plunged the palace into financial turmoil. By the Second World War, it was repurposed by the Swiss government, first as a detention center for British soldiers and later as a refuge for Italian refugees and Hungarian Jews. This humanitarian chapter marked a poignant transition in the palace’s history, underscoring its resilience and capacity to adapt, and to serve not only the rich and famous.

Over the years the palace found new life as a conference center for global and political meetings hosting reconciliation efforts and ethical dialogues. Today, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) operates within its ornately papered walls from September to mid-June, playing a vital role in preserving this historical monument. By leasing and maintaining Caux Palace, SHMS not only safeguards its architectural and cultural heritage but also ensures that its legacy continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Winter Palace: A tale of ambition and legacy

Winter Palace, directed by Pierre Monnard, is a narrative steeped in the spirit of the Belle Époque. The series follows André Morel, portrayed by Cyril Metzger, a visionary attempting to establish a luxury hotel amidst the imposing Alps of 1899. Inspired by figures like César Ritz, the legendary Swiss entrepreneur and hotelier, the series captures the entrepreneurial audacity that defined the era. Morel’s journey—a blend of ambition, cultural clashes, and social dynamics—mirrors the real-life challenges faced by pioneers like Chessex and Jost.

The choice of Caux Palace as a primary filming location was deliberate. Its architectural splendor and historical gravitas provide a striking backdrop that elevates the series. Anyone who has ever stepped foot in the grand hall of Caux Palace will recognise it immediately, and it is used as a primary interior setting in many scenes. Director Pierre Monnard, in an interview with Luxury Tribune, likened the example of Caux Palace and the hospitality industry as a whole, to filmmaking, emphasizing themes of teamwork, creativity, and risk-taking. “Caux Palace,” he noted, “embodies the spirit of adventure and grandeur that we aimed to bring to the screen.”

A perfect setting for storytelling

Hotels, particularly of the Belle Époque, serve as microcosms of society—spaces where cultures converge, hierarchies are challenged, and stories unfold. In Winter Palace, the richly adorned halls and majestic vistas of Caux Palace frame the narratives of ambition and resilience in the script. The series explores the interplay between guests and staff, highlighting societal tensions and personal aspirations within the gilded confines of elite luxury hospitality which begs the question–how it may or may not differ today.

Monnard’s vision extends beyond historical accuracy, embracing a contemporary tone that resonates with modern audiences. By incorporating subtle anachronisms, modern music, and comedic elements, the series offers a fresh take on historical drama. “We took a few liberites with history” Monnard explained.

Bringing the Belle Époque to life

The production of Winter Palace was a monumental undertaking, involving extensive location scouting and meticulous costume design. Caux Palace, with its high ceilings, ornate detailing, and breathtaking views, played a central role in this visual storytelling. Filming at such an iconic location was both a privilege and a challenge, requiring careful coordination to preserve the site’s integrity while capturing its essence on screen. Over 70 days of filming brought the grandeur of the Belle Époque to life, with costumes curated by Valérie Adda to blend period authenticity with a modern aesthetic. Characters like the Hamptone trio, styled in ‘1970’s infused costumes, were cast as the “punks” of the era and exemplify the creative aesthetic approach.

A legacy preserved

Today, the Caux Palace serves as a lasting symbol of the enduring allure of Swiss hospitality. Its partnership with SHMS not only sustains the building’s upkeep but also ensures that its legacy continues to inspire future generations. For SHMS students, the palace is more than a campus; it’s a living classroom where history and innovation converge.

Winter Palace encapsulates this spirit, weaving the past and present into a narrative that celebrates the pioneers of luxury hospitality. As viewers step into the world of André Morel, they are also stepping into the dreams and aspirations of SHMS students who walk the halls of the Caux Palace today.

A global stage for our star

The collaboration with Netflix amplifies the series’ reach, bringing Swiss cultural heritage and hospitality to an international audience. Monnard’s portrayal of the Belle Époque—infused with humor, drama, and visual splendor—aims to captivate viewers worldwide. “We want to spark curiosity about the pioneers who shaped mountain hospitality,” he shared. With its universal themes of ambition and resilience, and a bilingual script in French and English, Winter Palace promises to resonate far beyond Switzerland.

As the series premieres, Caux Palace’s storied walls will once again take center stage, reminding the world of the audacious dreams that built an era. For those who have walked its halls, from historical figures to modern students, the palace remains a symbol of possibility and grandeur—a place where history lives and legends are made. 

The screening’s close was celebrated with a special live performance by Tendai Humphrey Sitima, a member of the Hamptone Trio in the series, whose music added a vibrant finale to an already unique event. As the audience exited the theater, the buzz of conversations filled the air, reflecting the excitement and anticipation sparked by the evening. The series will be available to all starting December 26 on Netflix.