Château Experience: Summer on the Lake 2026
(Formerly Château Family Camp)
Week I: Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17, 2026
Week II: Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 24, 2026
Château d’Hauteville
Blonay - Saint-Légier, Switzerland
Join Pepperdine alumni and friends for the third annual international Château Experience: Summer on the Lake at Château d’Hauteville—the University’s spectacular 90-acre campus in Switzerland. With an opportunity to stay at the château, you’ll wake up every morning surrounded by the architecture and history of this magnificent 18th-century estate and enjoy local excursions in and around Vevey with a group of Pepperdine families and friends. If you are not already familiar with the history and impact of this extraordinary property, please read more here.
This week-long experience will include a variety of specially curated activities including wine and cheese tastings, a trip to Switzerland’s capital, a visit to the historic Château de Chillon, alpine hikes, daily “apero” receptions, and Swiss cuisine. You’ll have an opportunity to walk through the gardens, visit the forest, explore the winding hallways and historic rooms, and make new friends along the way. With a newly refurbished pool, you and your fellow travelers can relax and enjoy a summertime swim at the Château estate.
Of course the Château team is more than willing to offer their expertise on other activities to take part in on your own–described below in more detail–providing various opportunities to explore the nearby towns, museums, and nature. The first week of the Château Experience will also overlap with the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival (July 3 – 18, 2026), so if you are particularly musically inclined, you can feel free to take in some wonderful music on your own.
Families with children under the age of eight or who would prefer to stay in off-site lodging are welcome to explore our suggested hotel options below. We especially recommend the Modern Times, which is adjacent to the Château d’Hauteville property and just a five-minute walk from the Pepperdine estate.
Kids-Trip
We are pleased to partner once again with Kids-Trip, a wonderful group local to the Saint-Légier area that provides extra supervision and entertainment for your children aged 7–14 and helps introduce them to local Swiss culture in a fun and engaging way. The Kids-Trip team will provide on-site games and activities at the château, as well as transportation to various kid-friendly locations and activities in the region such as area parks or museums. Participation in Kids-Trip is included in the cost of registration, and it will allow your children to have an opportunity to bond and connect with their fellow young travelers. It will also give parents a chance to attend some of our adults-only activities, such as wine and cheese tasting, knowing that your kids are in good hands.
Purpose Statement
The Château Experience: Summer on the Lake brings together Pepperdine alumni, families, and friends in a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring environment where they can connect with others who are passionate about Pepperdine’s mission and witness firsthand the positive impact that Pepperdine is having on students and communities around the world.
Registration costs
The registration fee includes all breakfasts, most lunches, and dinners served onsite at the château or as part of included excursions. The adult fee covers each daily included excursion, and the children’s fee includes participation in Kids-Trip activities (for kids ages 7-14) The optional wine dinner on Thursday night is an additional cost.
Every year during Château Experience: Summer on the Lake, attendees join together to leave their own philanthropic mark on the Château d’Hauteville international campus by providing a group gift that enhances the space and makes it even more special for the future. By designating a portion of each registration cost to support this important pillar of Pepperdine, we can continue to serve students and visitors from around the world while upholding the University’s mission. In previous years, Summer on the Lake participants have helped fund workstations in the Château’s Glass House laboratory as well as an outdoor sound system, benefiting the educational experience of our International Program students and allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Château gardens while listening to keynote speakers and enjoying music. For the 2026 Château Experience, each registration will include a tax-deductible gift portion ($350 for each adult and $150 for each child), which supports funding of the weatherized outdoor bicycle parking area at Château d’Hauteville.
- $3,350 per adult (ages 15 and above) – cost for the entire week
- $1,150 per child (up to age 14) – cost for entire week
Estate lodging is a separate cost, and details of each option are listed below. After
exploring this page if you have additional questions, please contact Tess Bridgesmith
at tess.bridgesmith@pepperdine.edu.
Château Experience 2026 Itinerary
- Château de Chillon castle tour
- Daily “apero” receptions featuring wine and hors d'oeuvres
- Day trip to the capital city of Bern
- Movie viewing in the Château’s grand Cardwell Courtyard
- Visit to a dairy farm for cheese tasting and traditional “raclette” meal
- Swimming in the Château pool
- Wine cave dinner with live music
- Additional optional activities on your own (see below)
Sponsorship Opportunities
If you would like to provide additional support for the Château d’Hauteville we invite you to sponsor one of the receptions or meals listed below that will occur during your Château Experience. Your gift is tax-deductible and you will receive special recognition at the gathering you choose to support. If you have additional questions about these sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tess Bridgesmith at 310.506.4953 or tess.bridgesmith@pepperdine.edu.
Apero Sponsor – $2,500
Sponsor one of the nightly wine receptions, each at a different charming location on the château grounds (subject to move indoors in the case of inclement weather):
- L’Orangerie Terrace
- Hanson Family Magnolia Garden
- Haye Wine Garden
- Hanson Family Magnolia Garden
- South Garden Terrace
Dinner Sponsor – $3,500
Sponsor a weeknight dinner, featuring various regional and traditional cuisines:
- Artisanal Pizza Gathering, Lily Pond Terrace
- Swiss meal featuring local fare, Haye Wine Garden
- Fondue and Swiss cuisine, Grand Alley
Wine Cave Dinner Sponsor – $5,000
Sponsor the special closing wine dinner, with live musical entertainment:
- Johnson Family Wine Cave
Around the Château and 2025 Memories
Details for Included Excursions:
The following excursions and activities are offered as part of the Château Experience travel package. Each of the following will be included with your registration fee, unless otherwise indicated. To participate in each excursion, a pre-registration will be required for the interested members of your travel party ahead of arrival in Switzerland, to book the appropriate group number and arrange transit to and from. Please note that the details of these activities are subject to change due to weather or other factors.
Lodging at the Château
We are offering a range of lodging options for the week. We are only able to accommodate lodging for families with children ages 8 or older at the Château d’Hauteville. Families with younger children are welcome to stay at a local hotel and join Château Experience activities at the Château. See additional lodging options below.
All lodging packages include access to laundry facilities and the fitness center.
Twin beds | communal bathrooms with private showers
| Room Type | Beds | Square Feet | Week Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | 6 beds | 3 sets of bunk beds | Rooms range in size from 332 – 495 square feet | $2,400 | 4 |
| Type B | 6 beds | 2 sets of bunk beds, 2 stand-alone twin beds | 827 square feet | $2,400 | 1 |
| Type C | 4 beds | 2 sets of bunk beds | Rooms range in size from 215 – 245 square feet | $1,600 | 3 |
| Type D | 4 beds | 1 set of bunk beds, 2 stand-alone twin beds | Rooms range in size from 212 – 219 square feet | $1,600 | 2 |
| Type E | 3 beds | 1 set of bunk beds, 1 stand-alone twin bed | Rooms range in size from 151 – 257 square feet | $1,200 | 5 |
| Type G | 2 beds | 1 set of bunk beds | Rooms range in size from 108 – 129 square feet | $800 | 3 |
| Type H | 2 beds | both stand-alone twin beds | Rooms range in size from 130 – 168 square fee | $800 | 2 |
| Building | Beds | Amenities | Square Feet | Week Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L'Orangerie Single Room | 1 twin bed per room | shared restroom/shower facilities | Rooms range in size from 98 – 124 square feet | $700 | 26 single rooms |
| L'Orangerie Apartment | 2 bedrooms, 1 queen bed per room | accommodates a family of four, equipped with private kitchen, bathroom, powder room, living room, washer and dryer |
970 square feet |
$6,000 | 1 reservation |
| Garden House | Single Bed Option |
1 twin bed per room |
shared restroom/shower facilities |
Rooms range in size from 90 – 192 square feet |
$800 | 5 single-bed rooms |
| Garden House | Double Bed Option |
1 double bed per room | 2 twin-size mattresses set alongside each other |
shared restroom/shower facilities | Rooms range in size from 90 – 192 square feet | $1,000 | 3 double-bed rooms |
|
Birch House (Gatehouse) |
3 rooms, 3 king beds | 1 room, queen bed | accommodates up to 8 people, private kitchen, living room, 2 full bathrooms, laundry room |
1,588 - 1,781 square feet |
$9,000 | 1 reservations |
|
Château Faculty Apartment (photos not available) |
2 bedrooms, 1 queen bed per room | accommodates a family of four, equipped with private kitchen and 2 bathrooms, powder room, living room, washer and dryer |
980 square feet |
$7,500 | 1 reservation |
L'Orangerie Single Room
L'Orangerie Apartment
Garden House
Birch House (Gatehouse)
Area hotels for families with children under the age of eight, or families who choose not to stay overnight at the château:
- Modern Times Hotel(Marriott)
Four-star hotel near Chaplin’s World Museum. Easily walkable to and from the Château property for daily participation in Château Experience events and meals. When making your reservation, mention that you are with the Château Experience organized by Pepperdine and provide promotional code “PDK” to receive a discounted rate. Room rates include breakfast and parking; taxes not included.
Email contact: reservation@moderntimeshotel.ch - Astra Hotel
Four-star hotel with easy access to a nearby train station. To make your reservation, visit the hotel’s website and use promotion code “malibu26” to receive the discounted rate. - Hotel des Trois Couronnes
Five-star hotel alongside the shore of Lake Geneva, in Vevey. Approximately two miles from the Château, 5–6 minute drive.
- Grand Hôtel du Lac
Five-star boutique hotel near Hotel des Trois Couronnes, several restaurants, and the picturesque region of La Tour-de-Peilz. Approximately two miles from the Château, 5–6 minute drive.
Travel Tips
Transportation Information
- Uber | App can be used in Vevey
- Prestige Taxi (Romuald) | +41 79 907 55 55
- Chaplin's Taxi (standard) | +41 79 219 76 76
- Taxi Lemania | +41 21 963 63 63
- Cab Limousines +41 21 905 20 06 or +41 79 412 27 76
- SBB Mobile train app | Convenient train stop directly across from Château d'Hauteville
Recommended Airports
- Zurich (ZRH) | Most direct non-stop flights from the U.S. The drive to Vevey is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- Geneva (GVA)| Approximately 1.5 hours drive to Vevey. Trains from Geneva Airport run frequently to Vevey, with a train stop located directly across from Château d’Hauteville’s entrance.
Activities In and Around Vevey
Vevey is a beautiful resort town with historic sites and iconic landmarks, surrounded by enchanting villages and postcard-perfect Swiss countryside. Below are some optional activities to consider taking part in during your visit.