Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a picturesque city that boasts a rich history and a wide variety of attractions. It is home to the International Olympic Committee's headquarters and the Olympic Museum, as well as the Olympic Park and Palais de Rumine, which houses fine art museums.
Place de la Palud
Located in the center of Lausanne, the Place de la Palud is a small but colorful and historical market square. This area of the city is popular with locals and tourists, and is the center of many events.
This area is pedestrianised and has many shops, cafes and restaurants. It also has the city's oldest fountain. This fountain is a 16th-century work of art that includes a statue of justice. The best time to visit this attraction is during the summer months.
Another notable thing to do while in the area is to check out the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, which is a Gothic cathedral located close to the Place de la Palud. The church has sinister crypts, as well as stairwells.
Place de l'Hermitage
Located on the north side of Lausanne, the Fondation de l'Hermitage is a beautiful 19th century manor that houses a museum. The museum features works of art from the French impressionists and has a number of art exhibitions. It also organizes events, concerts, lectures and educational workshops.
The Hermitage Museum is located in the Hermitage Mansion, which was built by the Bugnion family in the late nineteenth century. The Bugnion family planted many rare trees around the house. The house was donated to the city of Lausanne in 1976. The mansion is now occupied by a private foundation that houses changing art exhibitions. The museum has two or three temporary shows a year.
Sauvabelin Tower
Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, Sauvabelin Tower is a wooden structure that offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The tower is 35 metres high, and features a sturdy handrail that runs the full length of its spiral staircase. During the summer season, it is open from 9am to 9pm.
It is built from wood, and is inclined towards sustainable development. Its spiral staircase is inspired by the one at the Chateau de Chambord in France. The surrounding countryside and the Jura mountains can be viewed from the tower.
Guests of the tower are welcome to dine at Los Tacos Hermanos and Golden Mango, which are located within a few minutes' walk of the hotel. The restaurant also serves breakfast and special menus for children.
Esplandae de Montbenon
Located in Lausanne, the Esplanade de Montbenon is a scenic green space, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. It is a great place for leisure walks and picnics.
There are a number of old town buildings that are situated around the Esplanade de Montbenon, including Palais de Rumine and Place de la Palud. These structures were built in the 19th century and serve as important landmarks in the city.
Another building that is close to the Esplanade de Montbenon in Lausanne is the Casino de Montbenon. This 1908 Florentine-style building has a restaurant and assembly halls. It is also a social and cultural centre. It hosts a variety of events, such as the Jazz Onze+ music festival and Cinemas d'Afrique film festival.
Musee de l'Elysee
Founded in 1985, the Musee de l'Elysée is a photography museum located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dedicated to the medium of photography, the museum features over 100 thousand original prints from the XIXth and XXIXth centuries. This museum has become a leading institution of photography and has a reputation for organizing high-quality exhibitions. The institution hosts four shows per year and also collaborates with other art institutions.
The Musee de l'Elysee is also the home of the entire photographic archive of Charlie Chaplin. Its goal is to preserve the art of photography in its traditional sense. It has a collection of more than a million items that are dedicated to the subject.
Cruising Lake Geneva
Several boat cruises leave from Lausanne. One of the most popular is the Chillon Castle Cruise. This trip takes you around the lake, through the Lavaux vineyards and returns via Montreux.
You can also book a special dinner cruise. These cruises have a theme and depart from Lausanne at around 19:30. You can buy tickets on board or at the CGN ticket window. The cost is half the price for pass holders. You must make reservations.
There are two ferry services that connect Lausanne with Evian and Thonon. The Lausanne-Evian ferry crosses the lake in about 35 minutes. The Lausanne-Thonon ferry is a 27- to 50-minute crossing.