Gentle living, sport and culture, the winning combination of Lausanne

The old town and the lake

With its pedestrian streets, the lake nestling at the foot of the hills and the majestic silhouette of the mountains in the background, Lausanne is a beautiful destination that you can explore on a small budget.

City of culture and sports

Wandering the streets of Lausanne, enjoy the charming atmosphere that envelops the city. The popular district of Ouchy, with its inviting bathing area, offers the opportunity for a swim in the clear waters of the lake. In summer, stroll among the flower beds that line the waterfront and taste the local specialties of the Sunday market. Enjoy an evening drink at one of the snack bars installed on the shore or perhaps an impromptu barbecue – an activity allowed in every garden in the city! At nightfall, the illuminated tower of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, with the lookout announcing the time by shouting the hour, is a unique and compelling show.

Entry to the City's museums is free on the first Saturday of each month. The Olympic Museum displays items from all over the world, spanning the period from ancient times to the present day. The Musée de l'Elysée is also worth a visit. Dedicated to photography, it brings together more than a million prints, negatives, contact sheets and transparencies. The most adventurous will venture on the heights of the city to the tower of Sauvabelin. On top of the tower, 35 m above the ground, there is a spectacular view on Sauvabelin forest and lake! Lausanne is also the meeting place for water sports enthusiasts. Throughout the year, many world-class regattas compete on the lake - the Bol d'Or Mirabaud is the world’s most important inland lake regatta.