Lausanne
The setting of Lausanne is extremely picturesque: it is hardly surprising that the International Olympic Committee has been based here since 1914. The town is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, with Lake Geneva at its feet. Rising impressively from the opposing French lakeshore are the Savoy Alps. The attractive old town is largely car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques shape the streetscape in the medieval city center.
The old town is dominated by the cathedral, which is regarded as Switzerland’s most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture. Lausanne was a diocesan town for over a thousand years. Shopping streets can be found surrounding the cathedral as well as in the pretty waterfront area of Ouchy. Switzerland’s only «metro» connects the various parts of the town and eases travel in this incline-based town.
Also worthy of a visit are the parks, containing many Mediterranean plant species, and grand palace hotels like the Beau-Rivage Palace in Ouchy and the Hotel de l'Angleterre, were Lord Byron once stayed. Even lovers of culture won’t feel short changed in Lausanne: the collection of marginal art (“Art Brut”) in Beaulieu Castle, the Fondation de l'Hermitage, the «Musée de l'Elysée» photo museum, the pipe museum and many others merit a visit. The offering of theatre productions and musical performances too is above average. Finally, Lausanne is home to the world-famous Béjart Ballet.
Vaud and Lake Geneva Region Guide - Smart Phone Apps
Find the activity that matches your interests for the Lake Geneva Region: http://getapp.edsi-tech.com/regionduleman
Tourist Office Lausanne
Place de la Gare 9 (at the railway station), Tel. 021 613 7373, http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/
The Highlights:
Excursions from Lausanne
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
At 800 hectares, the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux form Switzerland's largest contiguous vineyard area with terrace after terrace offering magnificent views. St-Saphorin, Dézaley, Epesses - names which roll easily off the tongue of fans of fine wine. And the views from the Lavaux vineyards, set high above Lake Geneva, provide the perfect backdrop for winelovers. The natural, cultural and culinary highlights of this area are definitely well worth a visit.
Ride the Lavaux Express and discover the imposing landscape of Lavaux and its breathtaking terraced vineyards. From April to October, this charming tourist train on wheels winds its way through the impressive vineyards looked after by generations of enthusiastic vintners. http://www.lavauxexpress.ch/index.php?lan=en.
Wine and Vineyards - To discover the wines and vineyards please have a look at http://www.lavaux-vinorama.ch/presentation_en.php. This is a place in Rivaz that unites all wines of the Lavaux.
Lake Steamers
Nothing like a sunny afternoon on a Lake Steamer! Take a boat to either Montreux (Chateau Chillon) or Geneva (all included with your valid Swiss rail pass).
Berne (on a rainy day)
Beautiful Berne is only a one-hour rail trip from Lausanne. This is a city of medieval magic, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions include the famous clock tower, the bear park - home to Berne's heraldic animals - and excellent shopping arcades.
Gruyeres
The small village of Gruyeres is probably one of the most charming ones on the Old Continent. It is easily reachable from Lausanne and you can walk the cobblestone road to the old castle and visit the Cheese Factory. The traditional lunch in all the restaurants is raclette, a must for all cheese lovers!
Montreux
Just 30 minutes away from Lausanne, Montreux is the most frequented resort on Lake Geneva. This trip can be combined with a visit to the Castle of Chillon and up to Roche de Naye from where you have excellent views onto the French Alps.
Castle of Chillon
In a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Erected in the 13th century on older foundations, the Castle of Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. Originally a fortress, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations with a view to its adaptation to the advances in the defensive and offensive weapons of the age. Other modifications were occasioned by amenities and embellishments suited to the pomp and ceremony of life in the castle. Many prominent figures in history stayed there: emperors, popes and princesses.
Rochers-de-Naye
In one hour, you climb by rack railway train from the palm trees on the lake shore of Montreux to the edelweiss flowering above. Modern or steam, the cog railways meander between lake, forests and high mountain pastures taking less than an hour to reach the summit of more than 2,000 m. Trains leave from Montreux main station.
Geneva
Beautiful Geneva, home to about 200 international organizations, among them the United Nation's European Office, and the International Committee of the Read Cross, is approx. 40 minutes away by train. Geneva is also considered being a "City of Peace".
Museums
The Olympic Museum
The recently renovated Olympic Museum is located on the lake shores of Lausanne-Ouchy. To live a story is to share it. An enthralling exhibition, moments of intensity. Would you like to relive great Olympic moments? Feel the pulse of the champions? Discover the creative flair of the host cities? The world of the Games with its many facets will open up to you. The Museum has 3000 m2 of exhibition space, over 1500 exhibits, 150 screens and our passion, combining to create the ultimate experience. From The Olympic Park, with its sports installations and sculptures, to the TOM Café and its menus inspired by the cuisine of cities who have hosted the Games, you will have great stories to tell. Take the metro from the train station in Lausanne and decend to Ouchy. Then walk towards your left for approx. 10 minutes and you will see the entrance to the museum. http://www.olympic.org/museum