Lausanne
Lausanne is the fourth-largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the Canton of Vaud, situated on the northern shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of the country. Built on three hills and extending from the countryside to the lake, it combines a compact, human-scale urban centre with a steeply sloping topography that offers views over the lake and the Alps. Known as the Olympic Capital, it hosts the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and numerous international sports federations, while its cultural life is exceptionally rich for its size. The city is dominated by Lake Geneva, with the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces close by, and it is surrounded by parks, gardens and vineyards. Lausanne is a green, sustainable city with a strong gastronomic scene, a lively nightlife and a fine architectural heritage spanning the medieval old town to modern districts.
Summer activities
In summer, Lausanne comes alive on the shores of Lake Geneva, where swimming, stand-up paddle, pedal boats and cruises on the CGN steamers are popular. The city's roughly fifty beaches and its 350 hectares of parks and gardens invite relaxation, while the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces offer marked trails, wine tastings and e-bike tours with views over the lake and the Alps. Hikes and walks start directly from the city, and the lakeside promenade links the Haldimand Tower with Pully Harbour.
Culture and entertainment
Lausanne's cultural life is exceptionally dense for a city of its size, anchored by the Gothic cathedral with its centuries-old night watchman tradition and a rich museum landscape. The Plateforme 10 arts district brings together three cantonal museums of fine arts, design and photography, while the Collection de l'Art Brut showcases outsider art. The Olympic Museum celebrates the city's sporting heritage, and a lively programme of exhibitions, festivals such as the Label Suisse music festival, concerts and nightlife in the Flon district keeps the city pulsing throughout the year.
