The 11 essential things to do in Lausanne

What to do in Lausanne? Discover the 11 things not to be missed during a stay in the Olympic capital!

Located in the heart of the Switzerland Romande, Lausanne holds its worldwide reputation as an Olympic city. Its location between lake and mountains is indeed a place for the practice of many outdoor sports. It houses the seat of the International Olympic Committee and a Museum that retraces the history of the latter. But Lausanne is also a popular destination thanks to its cultural and architectural heritage. The city has perfectly combined the past - with its Gothic Cathedral among others - and the future by hosting large schools and international companies.

Visiting Lausanne is therefore an opportunity to enjoy a stay between nature and city, where you will not have the time to get bored. So what to do in Lausanne? Here are the 11 essential things to do and see during stay in the Olympic capital.

1. The Olympic Museum

Visit Lausanne necessarily involves making a stop at Olympic Museum . The Swiss city is in fact closely linked to the Games, which even earned the title of Olympic Capital a few years ago. It houses the seat of the International Olympics Committee and is about to host the 2020 Winter Games.

The Olympic Museum, which has been classified as a national cultural property since 1995, is a way to recapture the history of sport through the permanent and temporary exhibitions on 3 floors. On the outside, the Olympic Park showcases various sports facilities such as real works of art, all crowned by an exceptional panorama overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. The visit is paid but will seduce small and large thanks to interactive activities and films that are projected.

2. La Cathédrale de Lausanne

It is impossible to miss the impressive Gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Lausanne . Built during the 13th century, the building is a strong symbol of the city and its radiation has even become international. To learn more about the origins of the Cathedral, guided tours are organized daily.

If you ask that you do in Lausanne in the evening, wait up to 22 hours at the foot of the Cathedral. You will then be able to attend an old tradition that wants the hour to be announced at the shout, by the watch employee. An authentic experience not to miss!

3. The docks of Ouchy

Enjoy your stay in Lausanne to stroll along the river Lake Geneva and enjoy the exceptional panorama.

Inaugurated in 1901, the d’Ouchy connect three of the city's largest parks, including Olympic Park. Visiting Lausanne through the docks allows you to see the city from another angle. Take the time to appreciate the ballet of the ships in the harbour area or the impressive size of the conifers that line the shores.

4. The terraces of Lavaux

Classified at UNESCO World Heritage, Lavaux wine region is a must during a visit to Lausanne. The place offers a breathtaking setting in the middle of the hills overlooking the lake. It is an opportunity to take a good bowl of air on foot or by bike, taking one of the many hiking trails.

Lavaux is also its vineyards! After the effort, wine lovers will therefore enjoy a small tour of the owner to the wineries, before stopping to enjoy a glass of wine from the country in one of the cellars of the region.

5.The Rolex Learning Center at EPFL

Visiting Lausanne is also a way to discover Swiss modernity and innovation. Contemporary architecture Rolex Learning Center This is the perfect example.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva within EPFL, one of Europe’s most famous science and technology institutions, the Rolex Learning Center is an extremely innovative building. It was designed by an internationally renowned Japanese architect, involving innovative construction methods. The structure alone deserves a visit. But the Rolex Learning Center is primarily an international library and cultural centre, open to students and the public from Monday to Friday. An invitation to learn more about the progress of our society.

6. Old town

There is a must-see if you decide to visit Lausanne: the old town. Take the passages and cross the alleys to discover its hidden treasures. You can admire, among other things: mouldings Rue de Bourg 33 , the clock of the place Palud, you can taste the best hot chocolate from the city to Café l’Evêché or test one of the many small restaurants typical of the historic centre. A good way to immerse yourself in Swiss culture.

7. The beaches of Lake Geneva

The inhabitants will tell you, if there is something to do in Lausanne, it is relaxing on one of the beaches of Lake Geneva. Indeed, it would be a shame not to enjoy this dream location during your passage. Numerous natural beaches make the happiness of the little ones and the great ones, and allow for many sports activities.

beach of Vidy which extends over 500 meters, remains one of the most appreciated. Families and friends find themselves around a pic nique or just walk around and meet the swans of the Lake.

8. A boat ride

The beaches of Lake Geneva offered you a sublime view, and would you like to discover more? Opt for the boat rental in Lake Geneva to go to the collision of this mythical lake.

Thus, you can get away from tourists and cries of children, to offer you an afternoon of absolute relaxation, in the middle of an enchanting and safe environment. With or without the permit, don’t hesitate and take your loved ones with you for this unforgettable moment.

9. The Flon Esplanade

Former industrial quarter, The Flon has become today the heart of modern and commercial life in Lausanne. The neighbourhood that starts in the square of Europe, has been rehabilitated and houses a multitude of bars, restaurants, clubs and trendy shops, suitable for a short break or a festive evening. It is also an opportunity to bring back some nice memories, in order to encourage our friends to visit Lausanne.

10. La Maison du Gruyère

Switzerland without its gruyère is a bit like France without its foie gras! Uncontournable of your trip, the Maison du Gruyère awaits you to tell the story of the country’s AOP figure, transmitted from generation to generation. The time for a 5-hour visit (including a visit to a chocolate factory with tasting), discover the secrets of making the gruyère: a gourmet world that will appeal to gourmets as well as gourmets.

Take advantage of this trip to discover the charming village of Pringy-Gruyères which houses the factory, elected the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2014. The charm is authentic, its preserved heritage, for a walk almost out of time.

11. The Glacier 3000

Nature lovers, ready for a large bowl of fresh air and adventure? Unique in the world, Glacier 3000 offers a full trip. And for cause, its panorama offering a breathtaking view to the 24 summits and eternal snow makes it a site of exceptional beauty. A paradise for powder lovers, the Glacier 3000 is home to the bridge between two summits, the highest toboggan track and among others, the via ferrata of the Gemskopf. How to delight young and old so!

To get there from Lausanne, you can opt for a trip to Diablerets, the village at the foot of the Glacier. Once on site, you get to Glacier 3000 by car or cable car. And if taking height is not your cup of tea, enjoy this visit to discover the picturesque village of the Diablerets: entirely made up of chalets, it offers a heritage worthy of the most beautiful postcards in the country.

How to get to Lausanne?

You can get to Lausanne by plane, train, car or boat, everything depends on your departure city. If you choose to come by plane, you can land at Geneva airport then reach Lausanne by train. For a flight at the best price, you compare the different rates offered directly on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Lausanne?

If you decide to visit Lausanne, you will quickly realize that the offer of accommodation is large and varied. In the heart of the old town or on the shores of Lake Geneva, you have the embarrassment of choice, which is why we have selected you the best areas to stay in the Olympic city .

When at the type of foot on the ground, Lausanne hosts it for all tastes: from large hotels to apartments to hostels, the city is rich. Attention, however, to stay in Lausanne asks for a certain cost, so think to book in advance. To find a cheap hotel, go to this Compare hotels whose role is to offer you the best offers of the moment.