A Swiss city steeped in history
Lausanne is an elegant city located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, it offers a blend of ancient and modern history, culture and natural beauty.
You can enjoy getting lost in the old town, which is characterised by charming red roofs and steep cobbled streets. Here you’ll find plenty of quaint shops and cafés to stop in.
Don’t miss the Place de la Palud, home to the oldest fountain in the city. On certain mornings, you can buy local produce from a small farmers’ market. From here, you could take the Escaliers du Marché to arrive at the cathedral.
Since the Middle Ages, Lausanne Cathedral has been an important pilgrimage stop on the Camino de Santiago. You won’t want to miss this imposing Gothic structure dating back to the 12th century.
You could also wander along the lakeside promenade in Ouchy. Catch the views from across Lake Geneva (“Lac Léman”) to the mountains.
The architecture around Lausanne shows the contrasts between the neighbourhoods and eras when they were developed. Admire the ornate 18th-century constructions, the Belle Époque style architecture, and sleek modern buildings in the Flon Quarter.
One of the top highlights of the city is the Olympic Museum, which showcases the history of the Olympic Games through interactive exhibits. Lausanne is, after all, the home of the headquarters for the IOC, the International Olympic Committee.
To immerse yourself in the art and culture of Lausanne and the region, there are plenty of museums you could choose from. The Hermitage Foundation is home to a growing collection of paintings from Swiss and international artists.
You could visit the Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), the Collection de l'Art Brut and the photography museum, Musée de l'Elysée.
Meanwhile, nature lovers will appreciate Lausanne's many parks and gardens, including the beautiful Parc de Mon Repos, with its villa and sculptures. You could also visit the Botanical Garden, which houses a vast collection (almost 4,000 species) of plants and flowers.
What’s more, Lausanne has plenty of gourmet restaurants if you want to try the famous Swiss fondue or raclette.
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