Lausanne
Canton Vaud

Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva, combines a dynamic commercial town with the locality of a holiday resort. The capital of the canton of Vaud is also a lively university and convention town. Sports and culture are given a high profile in the Olympic capital.

About 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. Gourmets will be able to savour many regional specialities in Lausanne such as cabbage-filled sausage with leek gratin called "Papet Vaudois". Mind you, master chef Fredy Girardet who was voted «Cuisinier du siècle» or chef of the century by his colleagues has in the meantime retired and handed over his sceptre in the Hôtel de Ville to his successor.

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, 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.

The «Olympic capital» is home to the Olympic Committee and also the Olympic Museum, the world’s largest information center about the Olympic games. But sport in general is given a high profile here, examples of which are the «Lausanne Marathon» and «Athletissima», the international meeting for track and field athletics.

Winter

As a city of culture and conferences, Lausanne combines business and pleasure. With the picturesque Old Town, the Olympic center and the quarter of Ouchy, it is the pride of the Lake Geneva Region.

Summer

As a city of culture and conferences, Lausanne combines business and pleasure. With the picturesque Old Town, the Olympic center and the quarter of Ouchy, it is the pride of the Lake Geneva Region.

Our personal highlights

Explore Suisse Selection’s unmissable places of interest and top things to see and do during your stay.

Preferred hotels

Browse Suisse Selection’s favored luxury hotels, carefully chosen for their unmatched excellence in architecture, service, gastronomy, and comfort.

Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Beau-Rivage Palace is a haven of elegance. The hotel offers rooms and suites with sweeping views of the lake or the Alps, refined décor, and modern comforts that create a serene retreat. Guests can indulge in exceptional dining, from the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Pic to the Japanese-inspired Kaigan and the chic Café Beau-Rivage, complemented by stylish bars serving crafted cocktails. Beyond its culinary excellence, the hotel features the Guerlain Spa with indoor and outdoor pools, hammams, saunas, and signature treatments, making it a destination that blends luxury, wellness, and timeless sophistication.

Château d'Ouchy

Chateau d'Ouchy is situated in an authentic 12th-century building, located along Lake Geneva. The hotel provides spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities offered are Wi-Fi, a bar, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a hammam.

Lausanne Palace

Located in the heart of Lausanne, Lausanne Palace offers convenient access to the city’s cultural and historical landmarks, including the Olympic Museum and the lakeside promenade. Rooms and suites are designed with elegant furnishings and include features such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across several restaurants and bars. Leisure facilities include a spa with a hammam and sauna, an indoor pool, fitness amenities, and wellness treatments inspired by global traditions.