Located in the French-speaking canton of Vaud, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is one of those cities on a human scale where nature and the city go hand in hand. Home to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne invites visitors to discover the history of the Games, stroll through its medieval old town and explore its more modern districts. Lausanne seduces visitors with its gentle way of life, the beauty of its heritage and its incredible location between lake, mountains, vineyards and forests. The perfect destination for an extended weekend or a complete vacation for two or the whole family, here are the 15 must-sees in the Olympic capital.
1. The Olympic Museum, a must-see in Lausanne
The world of the Games opens up to visitors at this museum dedicated to the history of the world's greatest sporting event. Inaugurated in 1993, the Olympic Museum houses permanent and temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to relive the great Olympic moments and discover the creativity of the host cities. There's a magnificent collection of objects linked to the history of the Games, including medals and sports equipment belonging to the athletes who wrote the legend of the Olympics. The American Dream Team basketball or Usain Bolt's jersey are sure to thrill. Outside, the Olympic Park boasts sculptures, a monumental fountain and splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
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2. The old town, a place to stroll
One of Lausanne's must-do activities is a tour of its old town. A maze of streets and alleyways with a medieval charm that sometimes puts your calves to the test, as the Olympic capital of course! Take time to admire the colorful facades and stop off at the lively Place de la Palud. It hosts a country market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The next stop is the Escaliers du Marché, 177 wooden steps linking the square to the cathedral, offering a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful parts of the old town. Embark on a guided walking tour of Lausanne's Old Town by booking right here !
3. Lausanne Cathedral, a jewel of the city's heritage
Lausanne's Notre Dame Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is one of Europe's finest Gothic monuments, and has an international reputation. It attracts over 400,000 visitors a year. Its rose is a masterpiece of European artistic heritage. Guided tours are available to learn more about its long history. Visitors should also know that between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the time is announced by the watchman, Alexandre Schmid. This tradition dates back over 600 years. It might just be worth staying up a little longer!
Discover the charm of Lausanne by booking this walk with a local.
4. Plateforme 10, new arts district
Culture buffs should definitely check out Plateforme 10, a unique site that brings together 3 cantonal museums and 2 foundations on an esplanade not far from Lausanne's train station. The 3 museums are the Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), the Musée cantonal de design et d'arts appliqués contemporains (mudac) and the Musée cantonal pour la photographie. A single admission ticket allows you to navigate from one museum to the next. This arts district, which makes Lausanne a trendy place to go, is also a pleasant place to stroll, with cafés, restaurants and wide-open spaces for walking, cycling, scootering or skateboarding.
5. The quays of Ouchy, a place to relax
When you stay in Lausanne, you're bound to want to get closer to Lake Geneva, a favorite destination for juggling nature and city. The quays of Ouchy invite you to stroll along the water's edge. A place where people flock as soon as the sun comes out. Three magnificent Lausanne gardens line the quays: the Denantou, the Elysée and the Parc Olympique. It's a great place to recharge your batteries, admiring the boats coming in and out of the port area, strolling among the trees and keeping an eye on the mountains. You can also take advantage of this pleasant stroll to visit the rose garden on Place du Général Guisan, with over 130 different types of rose.
6. The Fondation de l'Hermitage and its exhibitions
The Fondation de l'Hermitage is a magnificent 19th-century mansion built by Lausanne banker Charles-Juste Bugnion and his wife Jeanne-Marie Chatelanat. In addition to housing more than 800 works on loan to other museums, the Fondation de l'Hermitage organizes major international temporary exhibitions. The Fondation de l'Hermitage is surrounded by a magnificent garden, and also boasts a restaurant, l'Esquisse, offering tasty dishes based on seasonal produce, as well as savory and sweet brunches on Saturdays and Sundays.
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7. What to do in Lausanne Water sports on Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, Europe's largest freshwater lake, gives Lausanne a very pleasant seaside atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for picnics on sunny days, for swimming at the Vidy beach and for a variety of water sports. You can opt for a trip on a steamboat, or go paddling, pedal-boating, water-skiing or wakeboarding. Lake Geneva is part of Lausanne's art de vivre, with breathtaking views over the city and mountains.
Don't miss the chance to paddle on magnificent Lake Geneva: embark on this incredible self-guided kayak excursion to Lutry, near Lausanne! You can also experience a thrilling and unforgettable nautical adventure by booking this giant paddle activity: ideal with family or friends!
With arguments like these, it's no wonder that Switzerland is one of the best countries in which to retire!
8. Les terrasses de Lavaux, wine tourism
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lavaux is a must-see when visiting Lausanne. Its terraced vineyards plunge down towards Lake Geneva, and there are marvellous views of the Alps in the background. A multitude of small, steep paths allow you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area. Walkers can also visit winegrowers' cellars and take part in wine tastings. An experience sure to delight wine tourism enthusiasts.
Admire the magnificent views over the vineyards of Lavaux, one of the most beautiful sites on Lake Geneva, by booking this 2-hour cruise on the lake!
9. Le Flon, a lively district
Lausanne is a city that has reinvented itself. The Flon district begins at Place de L'Europe, where former warehouses have been converted into modern living spaces. Here you'll find a multitude of shops, schools, bars, galleries, cinemas, cafés and trendy clubs. It's the place to come during the day for shopping and art, and in the evening for a bite to eat, a drink and a dance. And don't forget to keep an eye on the diary - there's always something exciting going on in the Flon district, like a garage sale or an art event.
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10. AQUATIS, Lausanne's aquarium-vivarium
AQUATIS is Switzerland's largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium. It takes visitors on a journey across five continents to discover the main freshwater ecosystems. The tour includes 46 aquariums-vivariums-aquaterrariums housing 10,000 fish and 100 reptiles and amphibians. An exciting place to discover the animal and plant species that inhabit our lakes and rivers. The aquarium-vivarium is also committed to the protection of endangered species. To make the most of the facilities, AQUATIS has a hotel with rooms decorated on the theme of water, and a restaurant.
11. Art Brut Collection
Collection de l'Art Brut is one of Lausanne'smost exciting museums. In 1971, Jean Dubuffet donated his collection, an exceptional ensemble of some 5,000 pieces of Art Brut, to the City of Lausanne. Art Brut refers to the productions of people with no artistic background. They are self-taught, marginalized people, prisoners or inmates of psychiatric hospitals who seek neither recognition nor approval, and create without concern for public criticism or the gaze of others. The Collection de l'Art Brut museum displays its permanent collection to the public, and regularly organizes temporary exhibitions.
12. The Rolex Learning Center, a Swiss innovation
The Rolex Learning Center is a hybrid space. A building of innovative architecture, designed by the internationally renowned Japanese architectural firm SANAA. It houses libraries, study areas, cafés, restaurants and social spaces. There is also a conference and performance space, the Forum Rolex. Guided tours are offered to discover the different areas of the building, its specific features and the history of this major construction site. An experience that will appeal to lovers of contemporary architecture and urban planning.
13. An excursion to Glacier 3000
Many travelers staying in Lausanne want to take advantage of the opportunity to reach the summits. Switzerland is one of Europe' s top mountain destinations. From the city, bus excursions lead to the Diablerets glacier, or Glacier 3000. This site is a natural wonder, with its many peaks and eternal snows. A 15-minute cable car ride offers breathtaking views. The Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge linking two peaks, is available free of charge all year round. Over 24 peaks over 4,000 metres high can be seen from here. In summer, you can also enjoy the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest toboggan. Thrills guaranteed!
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14. Lausanne gastronomy
Sightseeing and excursions take their toll. Local gastronomy is a great thing to discover in Lausanne. In winter, you can warm up with a good fondue or raclette. Cheese lovers will be delighted! You can also try fillet of perch, fished directly from the waters of Lake Geneva. Don't forget papet vaudois, a speciality made with potatoes, leeks, cream, sausage and cabbage, all washed down with a little white wine. Accompanied by a good glass of local wine, with a particular preference for Chasselas, the white grape variety typical of French-speaking Switzerland.
We also recommend booking this culinary tour, which will introduce you to Lausanne's traditional cuisine with a local guide.
15. Servion Zoo, with your family
Located just 20 minutes from Lausanne, Servion Zoo is dedicated to Nordic fauna, small primates, big cats and lemurs. You'll come across lions, tigers, parrots, alpacas, a variety of monkeys, Arctic wolves and Shetland ponies. The zoological park's natural setting is very pleasant, with wooded areas, meadows, forests and bodies of water. The landscapes change with the seasons, with snow in winter, tree leaves changing color in autumn, and green in spring and summer. Servion Zoo is also involved in several programs to preserve endangered species.
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Where to stay in Lausanne?
Lausanne has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets. We've selected three establishments that stand out from the crowd.
- Hôtel du Port, a family atmosphere
TheHôtel du Port is located 10 minutes from the center of Lausanne. It's a hotel with a family atmosphere, whose rooms are decorated in a slightly retro style, but are still very comfortable. Some offer a view of Lake Geneva. The hotel also boasts a restaurant serving traditional cuisine. Breakfast is generous and the overall welcome is very warm. Excellent value for money. Tempted? Book your stay right here in just a few clicks!
- L'hôtel des Voyageurs, right in the center of town
This hotel, renovated in Art Deco style, is located in a pretty pedestrian street, just a few steps from the old town. The rooms are very cocooning, with attractive furnishings and colors.Hôtel des Voyageurs serves a buffet breakfast. Guests also have access to a fitness room to get back into shape. The location is ideal for getting to the historic center or the Flon district. Tempted? Book your stay right here in just a few clicks!
- L'Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind, absolute comfort
This hotel belonging to a major Swiss hotel group is located near the train station. Rooms are cosy and bright. TheAgora Swiss Night by Fassbind is equipped with a gym and spa. During your stay, you'll be given a card for free public transport in Lausanne. Breakfast is served under a cupola, a rooftop offering a splendid panoramic view of the lake, the Alps and the Jura mountains. Tempted? Book your stay right here in just a few clicks!
What to do in Lausanne with your family
Lausanne is the perfect destination for a family holiday. The shores of Lake Geneva are great for picnics, snacks and swimming in fine weather. Children will also love spending time at AQUATIS, the aquarium-vivarium, and at Servion Zoo, 20 minutes from downtown. The Tourist Office offers a " Carnet de Voyage" to help you discover the city's main sites in a fun and educational way. Not to be missed! Museum-wise, you can visit the Olympic Museum or the Naturéum. The latter houses incredible zoological collections. Parc Olympique, Parc de Milan, Parc de Sauvabelin, Lausanne is home to numerous parks and gardens where you can spend some quality time with the kids.
What to do in Lausanne when it rains?
Don't panic if it rains during your stay in Lausanne. This can be an opportunity to visit its most beautiful monuments, such as the cathedral. But also to take advantage of its considerable range of museums. Musée Olympique, Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts de Lausanne, Musée cantonal de design et d'arts appliqués, Fondation de l'Hermitage... There's no shortage of options for shelter and culture. You can also take refuge at AQUATIS or in the Plateforme 10 district to find a good café where you can settle down, have a drink and remake the world.
Has your stay in Lausanne inspired you to discover Switzerland in greater depth? Then be sure to check out the most beautiful places to visit in the country, or the must-sees in Geneva! Also, before you leave, you'll find it very useful to consult this top list of Swiss words and expressions.
