The sun is shining and you’re dreaming of getting away from it all, swimming, lounging and relaxing, but as usual you still don’t know where to go! How about a trip to Lausanne?
Lausanne is undoubtedly the Swiss city not to be missed for all its many assets. This “metropolis”, built on three hills, slopes down to the shores of Lake Geneva. Lausanne is surprising because it knows how to vary its pleasures: whether urban, with shopping in small boutiques or city strolls in pedestrian zones, gustatory, with its delicious gastronomy, or cultural and sporting, with its museums and festivals. I invite you to spend a weekend in Switzerland and let yourself be seduced by Lausanne’s gentle way of life, the tranquility of its old quarters and the liveliness of the modern city.
The first thing you notice when you arrive is the contrast between the lake, the majestic mountains and the town’s singular charm. It’s easy to get around Lausanne on foot. When we came, we had a guide, and it’s true that it’s always easier to let yourself go while listening to a few anecdotes. You can also take a photo tour of the city to discover the best spots. In the company of a local guide, you’ll spend 1h30 discovering the most picturesque places in Lausanne.
➡️ Book and check availability for this tour here
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| LAUSANNE, A CITY WITH TASTE
If, like me, you’re an epicurean at heart and like to try out good food, Switzerland is a wonderful playground. I knew that Switzerland was a great place to eat cheese, but I was pleasantly surprised by the range of gastronomic delights on offer, from Michelin-starred chefs to traditional restaurants serving local dishes, concept store-style addresses, terraces with lovely panoramic views, vintage and trendy places à la Parisienne. Add the food-trucks, the Vegan places and the wine-growing region, which produces excellent white and red wines, and you’ll quickly fall in love with Lausanne. Oh yes, I forgot! Don’t leave Lausanne without tasting the succulent chocolate.
Over the course of a weekend, I was able to sample a variety of local specialties that reflect the diversity of Lausanne and the rest of the country.
- For a lunch under the hydrangeas, in a vintage retro atmosphere, head for the Café Grancy, an institution in the neighborhood, a stone’s throw from the station. Metro Towards Ouchy, take the elevator then the stairs, the restaurant is on your left. As a starter, I tried their gazpacho du jour, followed by the Scottish salmon tartar with ginger, and to finish, I let myself be tempted by the Gruyère double cream meringue (very good but hearty, you can even share it), the local dessert. For meat lovers, the Vitello Tonnato is delicious. Daily specials start at CHF 19.
- Lausanne’s oldest restaurant, established in 1780 on the Pinte Besson, to taste THE famous Savoyard fondue! And yes, you can eat it in winter as well as in summer, but the taste is different, with a fruitier cheese, I’d say, because the cows have grazed for a long time and eaten all the good flowers on the hills. It was in a pretty tavern-style setting that I tucked into (well okay, we shared) the traditional half-and-half Savoyard fondue (half gruyère and half vacherin fribourgeois) but also the one with morillas and cognac has become my favorite. Expect to pay around €25 to €30 for a pot to share, and that’s enough.
- If you’re there in the middle of the Cité festival, head for the Great Escape, The Place to Be, the city’s most popular bar for young and old. During the festival, the place resembles a guinguette, with large wooden tables, burger stands, deckchairs and a very convivial atmosphere. A beer costs from CHF 5.
- LAUSANNE’S BEST CHOCOLATE
On the sweetness, there’s the Meringue double cream I’m talking about above, the raisin cake I didn’t have time to try, but also all the chocolate delights, and that I did have time to try! Direction the Chocolaterie Durig not far from Café Grancy, near Place de la Palud, for a workshop and tasting. The House offers a rich selection of chocolates: pralines, truffles, chocolate plaques and even raw chocolate, which is hard to find but a must-try if you like dark chocolate. There’s very little fat, around 25%, so the chocolate is divinely good and melting. This artisan chocolate maker uses only the finest cocoa, certified organic and fair trade wherever possible, mainly South American criollos. Their chocolates are pure butter with a high cocoa content, giving them a distinctive, distinctive taste. No artificial colors, preservatives or flavors are used. This kind of local place, with a know-how, is to be encouraged because everything is good! Count CHF 35/p for the molding workshop (as we did) and a minimum of 10 pax is required (CHF 300).
- THE LAUSANNE MARKET
Every Wednesday and Saturday of the year stands the Lausanne market, a pretty, colorful market that’s atypical since it’s not located on a market square. In fact, all the fruit and vegetable, flower and food stalls are spread out in front of the store fronts. This gives it a rather unique, friendly atmosphere, a The Mediterranean atmosphere that pervades the pedestrian streets reminds me of the South of France. On the Place de la Riponne, you’ll find second-hand goods dealers, butchers, cheesemongers and even market gardeners. As for Place de la Plaud, it exalts field flowers and spices. This is where you’ll meet locals with friends or family, sipping their coffee on one of the city’s terraces or in front of the old storefronts. If you’re passing by or have a sudden sweet tooth, stop by the pâtisserie Moutarlier, renowned for its wide selection of confectionery. For the thirstiest of the thirsty, head for the steep streets of St-François and Rue de Bourg from 8.30am to 2.30pm for stalls selling local beers, organic produce and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
It’s a not-to-be-missed event!
Downtown market:
– Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 2:30pm (Saturdays until 3pm at Place de la Riponne from April to October).
– Downtown squares and pedestrian streets: food products and flowers
– Place de la Riponne: non-food products
| LAVAUX VINEYARDS LISTED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
I’d never heard of this Unesco World Heritage site: the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. I can’t tell you how much I loved it this weekend! In this sunny weather, how could we not enjoy this spectacular walk through the vineyards? Just a 10-minute train ride from Lausanne, you exit at Grandvaux (cost of journey CHF 5.60/p) and then take the underpass. You’ll immediately arrive at this breathtaking view of the lake, mountains and vineyards, and right next door you can enjoy wine tasting at the Croix Duplex on the lovely shaded veranda. Domaine de la Croix Duplex cultivates no fewer than 13 different grape varieties from the Villette, Epesses, Calamin, St-Saphorin, Bonvillars, Ollon and Yvorne appellations. There are 31 vintages to taste in a warm and friendly setting. I rather liked the Calamin white wine with its light almond taste. From CHF 16 for a tasting of 4 wines and €20 for a bottle. Don’t forget to order butter flutes to nibble on with the wine!
VINEYARD MAP
If you don’t have much time, you can still discover these superb vineyards in a panoramic bus. With a 365-degree view, you can enjoy fantastic and unique views of the region.
➡️ Book and check availability for this outing.
Once the tasting is done, you’ll have to take the small, rather steep path through the vineyards and head for this rehabilitated old bell tower in Bourg en Lavaux for lunch in a restaurant overlooking vineyards and the lake. Welcome to the restaurant A whole world. This address is well known to locals and those who appreciate fine food. You can either choose an indoor table to watch the chef and his team at work in the kitchen, or sit outside on the terrace to admire the lake. The Tout un Monde relies on sure values, local in both products and beverages.
| WESTERN EUROPE’S LARGEST LAKE
- STAND-UP PADDLE AND BOAT
As you can see, Lausanne offers a wide range of panoramic views and a breath of fresh air and greenery. In the city, large parks and public gardens are available for strolling and relaxing. For locals and visitors alike, the lake remains the city’s favorite spot for water sports. And it was here that I first tested some Stand Up paddle. From the terraced vineyards, you can walk 30 minutes to the village of Cully or take a cab to get there.
Why come this way? simply because it’s less crowded than the city center, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of all the amenities Moratel beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Geneva. Whether you’re into discovery, sport, fun or just want to “chiller”, stand-up paddles are a great way to enjoy the lake and its not-so-cool water on the day we were there. The waters of the lake had warmed up with the heatwave, and it was lovely to lie on the planks with a view of the vineyards below and the little coves not much sought-after! Paddles can be rented by the hour or by the day, allowing you to combine swimming and sporting activities.
The paddles are located at Epesses, on Buda beach, exit Epesse station. Paddle rental costs from CHF 20. You can contact Aloha Sup You can also take yoga classes on a paddle for a moment of relaxation.
Once you’ve finished paddling in the late afternoon, you can walk along the lake to the pier for a 5.15pm departure. And yes, in Lausanne you can also get into town by boat, and the 25-minute crossing is just in time! Count CHF 14/p for the lake cruise Cully-Lausanne/Ouchy.
GOOD CRUISE DEAL
You can also take a 3-hour cruise on the lake aboard a historic steamboat. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Lavaux vineyards and the magnificent Riviera region, with views of Chillon Castle, Montreux and Vevey. Lunch available on board.
➡️ Book and check availability for this cruise
- SWIMMING AND LOUNGING
If you’d like to do as the locals do and enjoy the pier one last time before setting off again, head for the company pier, an ephemeral terrace on Lake Geneva. This trendy spot brings Lausanne’s youth together by the lake. Come and sunbathe on the low walls and large deck and swim in front of the rocks. Brunch is offered every Sunday, and yoga on the deck every Wednesday at 6.30am. The jetty officially becomes a bathing area thanks to a pontoon installed by the city of Lausanne! What are you waiting for?
If you would like to find out about all the other activities on the lake, please visit the Lausanne’s official website.
| FESTIVALS AND MUSEUMS
- THE CITY FESTIVAL
Lausanne boasts an exceptional cultural density and a lively culture. Indeed, between opera, theater, an eclectic music scene, classical and contemporary dance with the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, not to mention the many festivals in and around the city. DJ’s from all over the world come to mix, and the july 14 weekend, we discovered the Cité festival taking place in the city. This free urban and contemporary festival, considered Europe’s biggest, attracts over 100,000 visitors every year, and features over 80 different shows. A 6-day festival of concerts and street performances by 440 professional artists.
Three fundamental values characterize the Festival de la Cité de Lausanne:
- its artistic ambition, i.e. the development of original creations and projects, and the hosting of unique or exclusive shows and concerts.
- the invitation to discover, to share, to open up to new horizons
- a cultural, convivial and festive project, federator
As well as being a great place to meet up with friends and family, this festival features a multitude of little nooks and crannies made from bar pallets and set up all over town, as well as food trucks selling a wide range of culinary specialities. The main catering area is located on the Esplanade de la Cathédrale, at the southern entrance to the Festival. You’ll find burgers, pizzas, Iranian, Vietnamese, Brazilian and Lebanese specialties, but also ice creams and the best waffles in the country! Count CHF 15/p for a dish. In fact the “Manneke Kris” waffle is a house specialty, handcrafted. The paste contains only premium quality products. On this festival, it is baked before your very eyes, and the dough is transformed into a round, caramelized waffle in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon… count CHF 6/p.
- THE OLYMPIC MUSEUM
The Olympic capital of Lausanne is home to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and some 50 international sports federations and organizations. What could be more logical, when you’re in the Olympic Capital, than to visit the museum dedicated to the Games, one of the most popular in Switzerland! It presents the pillars of Olympism – sport, art and culture – in an interactive way. If you’re a sports lover, you’ll be delighted by the Olympic Games Museum ! I loved it because it’s fun, moving and tells the story of the Olympics perfectly. Giant screens are set up everywhere, allowing you to replay moments from the Olympic Games, from the preparation of the athletes, to the toughest defeats, as well as the best moments.
Also on display are the figure skaters’ sequined leotards, bobsleigh shoes and sleds, vintage adidas-type shoes, Olympic ceremony costumes, the famous official torches ranging from vintage to modern, the cameras used to film the events, and the gold, silver and bronze medals you can touch. It’s really quite crazy to have all these outfits and objects displayed in front of us, I even found it moving!
Museum open every day except Monday. Cost CHF 18/adult and CHF 10/child (aged 6 to 16). We offer a range of prices for families, students, guided tours and groups, so don’t hesitate to visit our website.
➡️ Book your tickets for the Olympic Games Museum here in advance
If you feel a little hungry before leaving, I suggest you visit the restaurant ” the Lacustre” for a hearty and delicious brunch overlooking the lake. Expect to pay from CHF 16 for a dish.
Practical information Lausanne
- By plane: Lausanne is only 45 minutes from Geneva international airport (60km). Find your flight with skyscanner
- By train: just 3h40 from Paris by TGV, CFF and EC Directs. Find your train ticket to Lausanne at the best price here!
- By road (A1/E25 and A9/E27 freeways).
- By boat, with the Compagnie Générale de Navigation boats on Lake Geneva.
The Swiss Franc
Our passport was checked by customs on the train.
The same as in France, no need for an adapter
- Pour les plus petits budgets, vous pouvez réserver un appartement dans le centre ville de Lausanne. Pour cela, nous vous offrons une réduction sur Airbnb. 💰 Profitez de 34€ sur votre réservation Airbnb
- J’ai testé l’hôtel des Voyageurs au Rue Grand-Saint Jean 19, un charmant hôtel boutique 3* à la gestion familiale en plein centre ville, rénové en 2015 et aménagé dans un immeuble Art Déco. Il est idéalement situé dans une zone piétonne, non loin du centre historique à pied, des commerces et du marché. Les chambres sont propres et certaines possèdent une jolie vue sur la cathédrale. Le petit déjeuner est bon et fourni. C’est un bon rapport qualité prix pour un weekend à Lausanne. Métro: Flon et à 10 minutes à pied de la gare.
➡️ Si vous n’avez pas trouvé votre bonheur en terme d’hébergements sur Airbnb, nous vous invitons à consultez les meilleures offres et réservez sur booking.
Lausanne’s residents and visitors know that Lausanne is a pleasant place to live on a human scale. Between walking and public transport
and self-service rental bikes, you can easily reach the four corners of the city and the surrounding countryside.
By the way, if you stay in an establishment that pays the tourist tax, you will receive your personal Lausanne Transport Card (LTC) and will be able to use the following services freely
public transport (bus, train, metro) throughout your stay, for a maximum of 15 days. But that’s not all: you also benefit from exceptional discounts and advantages in many museums and shops. Don’t forget to ask for your LTC from the establishment where you are staying! Full details of the 2019 offer at www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/ltc
As you can see, the food in Lausanne is very good, with a wide variety of dishes. Next time I’m back in Lausanne, I’d love to try the café vide dressing or the café des patronnes. I also recommend the restaurant Au dessus du trafic in the Loxton district (contraction of Lausanne and Hoxton, the trendy district of Lausanne). East London)
No problem in Switzerland in general!
Expect a small budget, as Swiss standards are higher than in France, but Lausanne generally offers reasonable prices
N’oubliez pas d’épingler l’article sur Pinterest pour le retrouver plus facilement 🖤
Cet article est notre ressenti, c’est le fruit d’une collaboration avec l’office du tourisme de Lausanne que je remercie pour leur invitation et cette découverte.
