Streets squares and districts to visit Romandy

Here, we are in the heart of a Geneva that is open to the world. This neighborhood is home to a large number of international organizations: the UN of course, the UNHCR, the ICRC, the WTO, the ILO, the WIPO, the ERI and many others. In the center of the square, the work of the Geneva artist Daniel Berset: Broken Chair (1997), a giant chair with a piece of one of its legs amputated, symbol of the fight against antipersonnel mines erected by Handicap International. Facing the square, the great entrance of the Palais des Nations, an alley lined with the 192 flags of the member states.

A beautiful square overlooking the lake, often transformed into a soccer pitch in summer. At the beginning of the ^13th century, Place des Halles was the area separating the old from the new town. Here, the Bishop of Lausanne had his tower (erected between 1221 and 1229), his house and his bread ovens. At the beginning of the ^15th century, the bishop's domination gradually gave way to the villagers, who built the halles to the south of the tower. At that time, the halles building was intended for the storage of merchandise, and probably for a covered market.

In the Rue du Collège, numbers 8 to 14 form a prettyU-shaped group of charming little buildings, with doors painted red, green and blue, and garden tables and chairs. The local residents have formed an association to defend La Valsainte, and since 1990 have been staging shows and cultural events in the courtyard. No. 4 is a former prison, of which the tower remains, leaning against the ancient ramparts (which you'll have to imagine). It was the house of the chapter of Lausanne Cathedral.

In the middle of the Place du Marché, you can see a large square slab, formerly a press stone, on which are engraved the dates of the winegrowers' festivals since 1797, with the motto Ora et Labora, or "Pray and work". As a reminder, the Fête des Vignerons is an event that can only take place a maximum of five times per century. The last one took place in 2019, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare for the next one! The square also hosts major concerts, such as Elton John's at the end of 2007.

For a long time, this square was regarded as the failure of Lausanne's urbanization. Since 2008, the site has welcomed new activities, such as concerts on July 31 to celebrate the national holiday on August¹, and a garage sale every first Sunday of the month. The Miam Festival is held every Pentecost weekend, with stands showcasing world cuisine. Concerts and culinary workshops for adults and children are organized. Other concerts are organized throughout the year.

Rue de Bourg, which runs down from the Bessières Bridge to Saint-François, was the main artery through which all traffic passed until the early 19th century. At that time there was a horse relay in Saint-François. In the 19th century, the rue de Bourg was opened on the lake, with perpendicular streets and passages, such as the Saint-François gallery, the only one in Europe built with stairs. There you will see the oldest shop in Lausanne: Blondel. Its chocolates are a must! Today, the rue de Bourg is emblematic of luxury shopping.

It is the "Quadruvium" (Latin word for crossroads) where Sigismond (king of Burgundi) was crowned and to which the city probably owes its name. The name of this square is due to its circular shape and its crossing function between two main traffic lanes. Especially in the past, with a road coming from Annecy and the other from Chambéry. This meeting place was very frequented by the people of Carouge and the Savoyards, who were discussing in a convivial atmosphere. There you can see the monument of the Nine Municipalities together; this work which was made by a pupil of Rodin, James Vibert, dates from 1925 and its 11 figures of women celebrate the annexation of several communes (of which Carouge obviously forms part) to the canton of Geneva. The monument was planned for the centenary of the event, but the First World War has delayed its inauguration.

A strategic place in the city, the Place de la Palud used to be a meeting place for pilgrims going up to the cathedral and merchants selling their products on the market. Located in a pedestrian zone, it is still one of the most picturesque places in Lausanne. The etymology of the word "Palud" comes from the word "paludisme" which refers to this part of Lausanne, which was very marshy at the time. From here you can reach the town hall, the fountain of Justice, the clock and the market stairs. Don't forget to stop for a chocolate at the Barbare!

Place de Neuve or Place Neuve? For "real" Genevans, it's Place Neuve, the official name being Place de Neuve... The square stands on the site of the Porte de Neuve, built in 1564 as part of the medieval city walls. A cultural mecca dotted with ^18th-century townhouses, the Conservatoire de Musique, built in 1835, the imposing Grand Théâtre and the Musée Rath, inaugurated in 1826. The Grand Théâtre was built in 1874-1879 by Jacques-Olivier-Goss, inspired by the construction of the Opéra Garnier in Paris at the same time.