Lausanne, known for its Olympic Museum, stunning Lake Geneva shoreline, and charming village atmosphere, is surrounded by beautiful scenery. No, I haven’t been indulging in the local wine. I’m actually standing on a sloped platform at Bessieres, part of Lausanne’s automated metro line, where gravity is doing its thing. The feeling of unsteady ground takes some getting used to, but it’s just one of the unique aspects that make this place so lovable. In fact, Lausanners boast about having the best legs in Switzerland. That’s because Lausanne is built on an incline, with the steepest metro line in the world, so there’s plenty of uphill walking to be done. But you’ll be too busy enjoying yourself to worry about tired calf muscles.
Lausanne is not a flashy city because it doesn’t need to be. As the capital of Switzerland’s French-speaking Vaud region, it sits comfortably on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, also known as Lac Léman. A stroll through the old town gives you a taste of what makes Lausanne special, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and panoramic views of the city. If you stick around until 10pm, you can even hear the cathedral watchman call out the time. The Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also worth a visit.
It’s easy to understand why Lausanne was voted the best small city in the world with a population of under 250,000 just a few years ago. There’s a charming village feel to the place, but there’s so much to do that you’ll want to wake up early to make the most of your visit. One must-visit spot is Plateforme 10, Lausanne’s recently-built arts district located next to the main train station. With three museums showcasing contemporary art, design, photography, and fine arts, you’ll find plenty to explore. After immersing yourself in culture, head to Brasserie de Montbenon, a former casino, for some delicious food in a bright and airy atmosphere. The views of Lake Geneva and the mountains from the terrace are simply breathtaking.
The Olympic Museum is a major attraction in Lausanne, especially with the upcoming Paris 2024 games. Start your day early to make the most of your visit and spend some time admiring the museum gardens and sculptures of Olympic legends. If you still have energy left, you can even test your speed on the 100-meter track or simply enjoy a leisurely walk.
If you have more than a few days in Lausanne, take a short trip to the charming town of Morges, just ten minutes away by train. Known for its Tulip Festival in spring, a visit to Parc de l’Independance will transport you to Holland. Morges also has a connection to Hollywood’s Golden Age, as Audrey Hepburn lived nearby. For a delightful lunch, visit Pavois Restaurant at the Romantik Hotel Mont-Blanc au Lac, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. And don’t miss the chance to explore the vineyards in Vufflens-le-Chateau and sample award-winning wine.
For a unique dining experience in Lausanne, try Eat Me Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge near the Lausanne-Flon metro stop. And if you’re a wine lover, a visit to Domaine de la Crausaz in Grandvaux is a must. Located in the heart of the vineyards of Lavaux, the views of Lake Geneva alone are worth the trip.
No visit to a city on Lake Geneva would be complete without a boat ride. Hop on board ‘La Suisse’, one of Lake Geneva’s Belle Epoque Paddle Steamers, for a nostalgic journey back in time. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside footpath to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc if the weather allows.
If you’re planning a trip to Lausanne, Hotel de la Paix on Avenue Benjamin-Constant offers centrally located four-star accommodation with stunning views of Lake Geneva. And getting to Lausanne is easy with regular flights from Dublin to Zurich and Geneva, operated by SWISS.
To make travel within Switzerland convenient, consider the Swiss Travel System, which offers various travel passes and tickets. The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on the rail, bus, and boat network, covering scenic routes and local transportation in over 90 towns and cities. This pass also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, providing free entrance to 500 museums and exhibitions.
I had a wonderful time exploring Lausanne as a guest of the Swiss Tourism Board. For more information on Switzerland, visit MySwitzerland.com.
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