The golden age of travel to Switzerland was the Edwardian era, when the great palace hotels reached their zenith of grandeur. Today, health resorts are being replaced by contemporary spas, and the caloric influence of Escoffier has long since been banished from most menus. Switzerland comprises three main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French and Italian, plus the Romansh-speaking valleys. Around 100 Swiss peaks are higher than 13,000 feet; Monte Rosa (15,203 feet) is the highest, but the Matterhorn (14,692 feet) and the Eiger (13,025 feet) are the most famous. The country is home to the Montreux Jazz Festival (July) and the Locarno International Film Festival (August).

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