Lausanne Tourist Information and Tourism

(Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland)

A city of many hills and the fifth-biggest city within the whole of Switzerland, Lausanne stands next to the northerly shores of the scenic Lake Geneva and close to the Jura mountain range. Lausanne boasts a wonderful medieval centre, which is dominated by one of Switzerland's most impressive Gothic-style cathedrals, the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, which stands in the centre of the Old Town (Vieille Ville) and presides over the Place de la Cathédrale.

Lausanne has a long and eventful history, which began when the Romans chose to settle here and camped next to the lake, at Vidy. Today, the city is a lively and attractive tourist destination, and home to a number of important institutions, such as the International Olympic Committee and the Federal Tribunal.





There are two separate branches of the Lausanne Tourism office in the city. One of these tourist information centres is located at the SBB Train Station on the Place de la Gare, while the other can be found in the suburb of Ouchy, next to the actual harbourfront and on the Place de la Navigation.

Consider purchasing the Lausanne Card if you come here, which may well save you some money if you intend to sightsee and use the public transport, which comprises buses, electric trolleybuses and metro trains.

Lausanne Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Many popular tourist sights line the Rue Centrale, which runs alongside the valley and divides Old Town Lausanne from the hill where the Place St. François is located. Endless recreational attractions are based around the southerly shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), where a host of water sports can be enjoyed. On a sunny day, head to the lakeside Bellerive Plage, which lies close to central Lausanne and on the western side of Ouchy, and boasts sandy beaches, a large swimming pool and a number of waterfront restaurants. More information about Lausanne Tourist Attractions.

The Vieille Ville area of Lausanne is where many of the main landmarks reside and guided walking tours covering this area take in the sights around both the Place de la Riponne and also the Place de la Palud.

Here you will find the beautiful Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), while close by and connected to the Lausanne Cathedral by a convenient passageway, is the Château St. Marie, an imposing 15th-century castle where the Swiss government of the Canton of Vaud is based. More information about Lausanne Landmarks.

If you crave a spot of culture during your time in Lausanne, then there is plenty to choose from. You could pay a visit to the Musée Historique de Lausanne (History Museum) to find out more information about the city, or head on up to the Musée Olympique and view each and every one of the torches that have been used to open all of the Olympic Games around the world. For a touch of science, Lausanne has two popular museums, the Espace des Inventions and La Maison d'Ailleurs. However, if it is art that you desire, then look no further than the Museum of Fine Art (Musée Cantonal des Beaux Arts) or indeed the MUDAC (Museum of Applied Contemporary Art and Design). More information about Lausanne Museums and Lausanne Art Galleries.

Close to Lausanne, the Swiss Riveria is a popular haunt for those wishing to explore this area of Switzerland and within easy reach of a number of excellent Alpine ski resorts. Other tourist attractions lie next to the lake itself, such as the town of Veyey, where Charlie Chaplin lived for around 25 years at the end of his life. Also near to Lausanne is the lakeside town of Montreux, famed for its summer jazz festival and glorious views. Even closer are the numerous health spas in the suburb of Yverdon Les Bains, alongside the Lake Neuchâtel and the towering Jura Mountains. More information about Lausanne Attractions Nearby.

More Lausanne Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Switzerland
• Location: next to Lake Geneva, western Switzerland / canton of Vaud / north-east Geneva
• Status: city
• Area: approximately 16 square miles / 41 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 140,000
• Language: mainly French
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT +1
• Country dialling code: +41
• Telephone area code: 021
• Average daily Lausanne January temperature: 4°C / 39°F
• Average daily Lausanne July temperature: 25°C / 77°F