Lausanne

Lausanne is a picturesque lakeside city, which sits proudly at the northern side of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) in the French-speaking canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Lausanne stretches along three hills, is surrounded by vineyard slopes, and has the shimmering Geneva Lake at its feet.

Lausanne comprises two prime universities, and has been hosting the International Olympic Committee for hundreds of years.

Here in Lausanne, you can find the Olympic Museum, a must-see attraction for tourists, which allowed the area to be named as the Olympic Capital. It is also considered as the transportation centre in the Region of Vaud.

Lausanne is characterised by eye-catching sightseeing destinations, among which is the magnificent Olympic Park on the lakeside of Lake Geneva.

Over the years, tourism in Lausanne has reached its peak due to the dynamic and lively town of sports, universities, culture, business and leisure.

Lausanne also hosts festivals all year round, such as Lausanne’s Jazz Onze Festival for Jazz lovers. The Lausanne Festival of Lights extends from November until the end of December, when the streets are brightly illuminated with sculptures made of light by Lausanne's artists.

The medieval car-free Old City of Lausanne offers an enjoyable stroll along the flowery alleyways with tulips. You can continue through the district, which is dominated by one of the most impressive pieces of early Gothic architecture – the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne. Another option is to rise to the bell tower, from where unfold the panoramic views over the medieval rooftops and sparkling lake.

The Olympic Capital, with its Olympic Museum and numerous sports activities like Lausanne Marathon and Athletissima, charms not only the sports enthusiasts but lovers of nature and culture too, with the parks and varied Mediterranean plant species situated outside magnificent museums.

Among them is the Musée de l'art brut, which focuses on the collection of paintings and sculptures of outsider art.

Another home of culture here in Lausanne is the Musée de l'Elysée. The museum displays photographs - both collections, and temporary ones, such as photographs of the world-renowned Charlie Chaplin. To all dance art lovers, The Béjart Ballet is offered. It is a famous dance theatre touring around the whole world.

You can proceed with your walk along the waterfront to visit the landmark of Lausanne Chateau d’Ouchy on the shores of Lake Geneva. The castle dates back to the 12th century.

End your day in Lausanne at the shoreline by tasting the delicious Nutella Pizza and admiring the memorable backdrop of the Alpine scenery.

AlpExcursion is here to offer an experience of the local life of Lausanne during a private guided trip.

Other sightseeing attractions and things to do in Lausanne are:

• Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium Lausanne.
• Museum cantonal d'archeologie et d'histoire de Lausanne.
• Saint Francois Church - an old convent since 1260.
• Palais de Beaulieu.
• Palais de Rumine.
• Art Museum.