It is undoubtedly to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his novel La Nouvelle Héloïse, published in 1761, that Lausanne and the Swiss Riviera owes some of its aura. The capital of the French-speaking canton of Vaud, its old town is made up of valleys with medieval and steep streets filled with hotel shops and elegant shopping addresses. Unless you opt for the metro or funicular, the three hills of Lausanne will put your calves to the test. What could be more natural, you might say, for a city that has been home to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee since 1915? We also know how to relax in this part of French-speaking Switzerland, and under its airs of a provincial town, the city shows an astonishing cultural dynamism, something that can be measured by consulting the "Visits" section of the Lausanne tourist guide. From pints from the Vaud region to gastronomic discoveries, the fine mouths will not be outdone. By joining the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva, you can also enjoy a romantic canoeing session on the fresh and calm waters of the lake, while in summer, you will head towards Montreux to enjoy the performances of the world's greatest jazzmen. We will not miss the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a true Gothic masterpiece of the Swiss city and the Lausanne Botanical Garden, a true haven of urban peace! Easily accessible from France, by train or plane, the cosmopolitan city of Lausanne is not finished surprising.

What to see, what to do Lausanne?

When to go Lausanne ?

To know when to go to Lausanne, you have to take into account the tourist seasons that regulate its year. The high season extends from mid-May to mid-September, when the weather is milder and Europeans are on vacation. But if you go to Lausanne from the end of November to mid-April, you should know that the Lake Geneva region is also very attractive because of its proximity to the ski slopes and its Christmas markets, such as the one in Montreux, which is known beyond the borders. If music and stage art enthusiasts will say that the best time to go to Lausanne is during the festival season (Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Comedy Festival...), you should nevertheless take into account that prices can quickly rise and availability can become rare. So when to go to Lausanne? Hotel rates are more accessible in low season and Lausanne and the Swiss Riviera are just as pleasant to visit as in high summer. If you choose July-August anyway, take a look at the cultural agenda of the region to avoid bad surprises when you arrive!

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How to go Lausanne

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How to go alone

There is no airport in Lausanne. The easiest way is to land in Geneva (average price of a flight from France: between 60 and 175 €) and rent a car or take the train, the distance is 60 km. In order to get good rates, it is essential to plan ahead. The same goes for accommodation, anticipation will allow you to make substantial savings.

How to go on a tour

To take part in an organized trip to Lausanne, one should use specialized tour operators. They produce their own trips and are generally very good at giving advice because they know the region inside out. However, their prices are often a little higher than those of general travel agencies. Combined flights and accommodation are sometimes cheaper than if you prepare your own trip.

How to get around

Public transport is very efficient in Lausanne and on the Swiss Riviera. You will often have to use the train and bus network. In addition, feel free to do a section of your journey by boat and the rest by small rack and pinion train. These transports are free for children under 6 years old (except private company) and children from 6 to 16 years old benefit from the half price. For those over 16, if you plan to travel often, there are several types of discounts.

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Discover Lausanne

Capital of the canton of Vaud, Lausanne is said to be one of Europe's greenest cities, with 350 hectares of estates, parks and gardens that can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. It is renowned for its quality of life, dedicated to nature, which is sometimes left to its own devices, and to sport. And what a sport it is! It starts with muscular legs. Stairs that you climb up and down to the old town from the lake... the city is built on three hills, with a 500 m difference in altitude. This "Olympic" capital can be explored with a visit to the eponymous, well-designed museum. The Fondation de l'Hermitage and Plateforme 10, Lausanne's arts district, are also worth a visit. Lausanne is at the heart of a breathtaking natural environment with Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. The terraced vineyards of Lavaux are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And let's not forget the beaches, cruises and superb hiking!

Pictures and images Lausanne

Papet Vaudois. Philippe Belaz - Shutterstock.com
Le Café Romand, une institution à Lausanne. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Palais de la Rumine, situé sur la place de la Riponne, abritant les musées des Beaux-Arts et des Sciences. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Le MAD, un club tendance du Flon. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image

The 12 keywords Lausanne

1. #Chasselas

Chasselas is the great local wine speciality. This discreet white wine puts aside the primary aromas typical of varietal wines to let the fruity and robust notes, resulting from the particularities of the winemaking process and the soils on which it has grown, specific to the canton of Vaud and particularly to the Lavaux region, dominate.

2. #Chocolate

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Swiss chocolate is a tradition that we no longer present. Cailler, Favarger, Suchard, Kohler or Nestlé, the great chocolate makers are legion here. So you will of course find excellent confectioners in the centre of Lausanne. Chocolate factories will even open their doors to you. Tasting obligatory!

3. #Crust

The crust doesn't dethrone the fondue in our hearts, but this kind of Helvetian welsch is well worth trying. It's a huge slice of bread soaked in white wine, topped with Gruyère cheese - which we don't skimp on - and baked in the oven. It's accompanied by baby onions and gherkins. Simple, but highly effective!

4. #Waldensian flag

The Vaud coat of arms was decided two days after independence, in 1803, with Liberté et Patrie as its motto. Its colors, green and white, originate from the green flag of the 1798 Vaud revolution, whose motto was Liberté, Égalité. The white symbolizes entry into the Helvetic Confederation in April 1803.

5. #Jazz

Founded by Claude Nobs in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival welcomes every year many talents from the jazz, rock and blues worlds. A must do, if only to enjoy the idyllic lakeside setting. As the Swiss Riviera has no difficulty in attracting jazz musicians, the small village of Cully has also created its own festival.

6. #Lavaux

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The Lavaux region and its magnificent vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer an incredible landscape within easy reach. It's just as impressive by train, passing through the beautiful villages of Lausanne and along hiking trails. And don't forget to stop off at a winery for a wine tasting.

7. #Léman

The lake is the wonder of Lausanne, which can be seen from many vantage points and never ceases to amaze us with its beauty. You can, of course, swim here in summer, or simply enjoy the expanse of water encircled by snow-capped mountains and, above all, savor the blushing sky as the sun sets.

8. #Marathon

As an Olympic city par excellence, Lausanne had to host its marathon. This has been done since 1993, and we recommend it. The atmosphere is great, the course from Lausanne to La Tour-de-Peilz is sublime. As you walk along the lake, you will have a view of the snow-covered peaks of the Alps or the hills of the Lavaux. Enough to keep your energy intact for 42 km!

9. #Metro

A wide range of public transport services that are almost always on time. As French people, we dream of it, and the people of Lausanne have achieved it. With two metro lines serving this small city, it's more than enough. What's more, the buses have been electric since 1932. So really, there's no reason to take the car, especially as there's always the train to get between towns.

10. #Papet vaudois

This local dish will be on every menu in traditional restaurants. With no tricks, it's made from potatoes, leeks and Vaud sausage. Its strong symbolism represents the colors of the Vaud flag: white for the potatoes and green for the leeks. This hearty dish is always a pleasure to eat.

11. #Hiking

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There's something for everyone when it comes to hiking: from the high mountains of the Rochers de Naye and the Dent de Jaman, to marked trails all around the Riviera, and even routes with gastronomic stops, with excursions to alpine pastures where you can sample a variety of local dishes in a rural atmosphere.

12. Nightlife

There are countless bars and clubs in the city. After Zurich, Lausanne is considered Switzerland's second most interesting and richest city for nightlife. Party-goers from all over Switzerland and even France flock here to celebrate the weekend in style!

You are from here, if...

You love picnics by the lake with its beautiful beaches. And you don't hesitate to take your board with you, because stand-up paddling is best done on calm water.

You sort your garbage well and respect the official days for garbage disposal.

You abuse the "if ever": if ever you want to do this, or if ever you want to see that. There are no injunctions here, just suggestions.

You say goodbye to say goodbye.

You wait for the green light to cross as a pedestrian.

You've already bumped into Stan Wawrinka at the gym. The world-famous local tennis player is unfailingly straightforward, and it's not uncommon to bump into him around town.

You can enjoy cheese fondues even in midsummer. And you vary the pleasures with half-and-half fondues, tomato fondues, mushroom fondues..

And above all, you're from here if you're not a frouze (the name given to French expatriates in Lausanne).

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