Lausanne City Guide

Lausanne is situated in the French speaking part of Switzerland and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The city is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the Jura mountains to the North. This charming city combines a wealth of museums and elegant architecture, with its stunning scenic backdrop.

What to do and see in and around Lausanne

Old Town
The cobbled streets of Lausanne’s old town transport you back to a bygone era. With plenty of pavement cafés to choose from why not enjoy a coffee on the Place de la Palud as you watch the world go by.

Gothic Cathedral
Dating back to the 13th century Lausanne’s Cathedral is a gothic masterpiece. Made from the soft stone molasse the Cathedral has undergone many changes over the years, with its most recent restoration taking place in the 19th Century. With its stunning stained glass windows and polychrome interior this renowned Cathedral is well worth a visit.

Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts
With inspirational pieces on display the Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts, opened in 1967, is an important destination for anyone interested in graphic design, illustration, architecture and landscaping to name but a few.

Fondation de l’Hermitage
Formerly the mansion of the banker Charles-Juste Bugnion, l’Hermitage along with part of its grounds, was donated to Lausanne by the descendants of Bugnion in 1976. That same year the private foundation was set up. The aim of the foundation was to maintain the mansion and create a museum of fine arts. The Fondation de l’Hermitage now holds two or three exhibitions a year devoted to 19th and 20th century art, as well as a private collection that includes works by Magritte, Boudin and many more, although this is not on permanent display.

Lake Geneva
Lausanne is situated in a privileged location on the shores of Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva is a freshwater lake, the second largest in Central Europe, second only to Lake Balaton in Hungary.

Palais de Rumine
Situated on the vast square that is the Place de la Riponne, the huge Palais de Rumine houses 5 museums and a library. The Palais was built by a Parisian architect in the nineteenth century. Built in the neo-Renaissance, the Palais is extravagant both in decoration and size.

Port d’Ouchy
With wonderful views of France Port d’Ouchy is a township and port close to Lausanne. This picturesque former fishing village has an attractive harbour and stunning views of the lakes and alps as well as a medieval castle which is now used as a hotel.

Olympic Museum
Founded in 1915 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who also founded the International Olympic Committee, this museum is a must for anyone interest in sport and the history of the Olympic movement. With a range of exhibits, some of them interactive, the Olympic Museum is a popular choice amongst visitors to Lausanne.

City Fountains
Lausanne is a city of many fountains, 500 in fact. Some are small and resemble drinking fountains, others, such as the Fontaine place de la Riponne are more majestic. You can drink the water from all of them as it runs direct from the city's water-supply system.