Charlie Chaplin spent the last quarter-century of his life not in Hollywood but in a manor house above Lake Geneva. In 1953 he settled with his wife Oona and their children at the Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey, and he lived there until his death in 1977. Since 2016 the house and its parkland have been Chaplin’s World, a museum devoted to his life and work that manages to be both great fun and quietly moving. The visit has two parts. In the manor, the rooms where the family lived, including his study and the salon, are furnished as they were, with photographs, letters, home films and personal objects that show the private man, a devoted father in a Swiss village. In the studio, a large building in the grounds, you walk through recreated sets from his films, from the poor streets of The Kid to the gold-rush cabin and the factory machinery of Modern Times, peopled by lifelike figures of Chaplin and the stars he worked with, and you can step into the scenes for photographs. Films and clips play throughout. The park, with views over the lake to the Alps, is lovely for a walk after the visit.
Planning the visit: Tiqets lists opening from 10:00 to 18:00 every day except Tuesday, when it closes at 17:00; hours can change with the season, so check your date on the booking page. The entry ticket covers the manor, the studio and the park, and the Tiqets listing notes guiding in English, German and French as well as an audio guide. A restaurant on site serves lunch. Allow at least two and a half hours to see both buildings without rushing.
Getting there from Geneva: take a train along the lake to Vevey, which takes about an hour, then a local bus up the hill to the Chaplin stop in Corsier-sur-Vevey, a short ride. Vevey itself is worth a walk: Chaplin’s statue stands on the lakeside promenade, near the giant fork planted in the water in front of the Alimentarium.
Making the most of it: start in the manor for the story, then finish in the studio, which is more playful. Children who have never seen a Chaplin film usually leave as fans. In autumn and winter go early to enjoy the park in daylight. Chaplin is buried with Oona in the small cemetery of Corsier-sur-Vevey nearby. Combine with Chillon Castle, about twenty minutes further along the lake, for a full day on the Riviera.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit to Chaplin’s family home, a studio of recreated film sets with lifelike figures, and the park with lake views.
Best time
Morning, to see the park in daylight and the studio before it fills up.
How long
Two and a half to three hours on site, plus about an hour each way from Geneva.
Tips
Book ahead, start in the manor and finish in the studio, and take the local bus up from Vevey station.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film lovers and families, and anyone who enjoys a museum with real heart.
- Families
- One of the best museums in the region for children, with film sets to step into and plenty of slapstick.
- Couples
- Pair the visit with a lakeside lunch in Vevey and an evening stroll on the promenade.
- Pair with
- Chillon Castle along the lake and the Vevey promenade with Chaplin’s statue.
- Time needed
- A full day trip from Geneva, or half a day combined with Chillon.
Good questions
Where is Chaplin’s World?+
It is at the Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey, on the hill above Vevey. A local bus runs up from Vevey station.
How long did Charlie Chaplin live in Switzerland?+
Chaplin lived at the Manoir de Ban from 1953 until his death in 1977. He is buried with his wife Oona in the village cemetery.
How long do you need at Chaplin’s World?+
Plan on two and a half to three hours to see the manor, the studio and the park. Add time for lunch at the on-site restaurant.
Is Chaplin’s World good for children?+
Yes, the studio of film sets with lifelike figures is very popular with children. Even those who have never seen a Chaplin film tend to enjoy it.
How do I get to Chaplin’s World from Geneva?+
Take the train to Vevey, about an hour along the lake, then the local bus up to Corsier-sur-Vevey. You can combine it with Chillon Castle the same day.
