48 HOURS IN LAUSANNE
Sitting on the shore of Lake Geneva the picturesque city of Lausanne is just a 40min train journey from Geneva, Switzerland. Helpfully a tram runs from the top of the town’s train station to traverse the hilly terrain; and it really is needed; with steep streets, steps and lifts to get you from one section to another it is hard to get a feel for the size of Lausanne but with just 48 hours to explore we’re on a mission to try out its plentiful culture and food offerings.
Where to stay
Château d’Ouchy
Place du Port 2
1006 Lausanne
A beautiful piece of 12th century architecture Château d’Ouchy sits directly on the shores of Lake Geneva. Boutique in size (just 50 rooms, incl. 10 Junior suites and 2 large suites) the 4 star hotel is as stylish as its surroundings. From the stunning outdoor terrace (perfect to enjoy breakfast, a relaxing coffee or romantic dinner) to the modern, elegantly decorated rooms – this is a perfect location for a weekend stay.
Where to eat
Lunch at the Café du Grütli
Rue de la Mercerie 4, 1003 Lausanne
This relaxed restaurant has been situated in the middle of the old town since 1849 and serves a mix traditional Swiss offerings including Venison Medallions and a mighty fine mixed cheese fondue. The family-owned restaurant is friendly and as authentic as you can get with each dish prepared to order using fresh produce from the local market around the corner.
Dinner at Brasserie de Montbenon
Allée Ernest-Ansermet 3, 1003 Lausanne
The two-storey brasserie heaves with the chatter of happy diners. On a warm evening the large doors are opened up to the view of the lake and a terrace space. It’s a place for gatherings and celebrations with large groups gathered together making the atmosphere buzzy. The food is modern French cuisine with plentiful portions and delicate taste.
Contemporary dining at Eat Me
Rue Pépinet 3, 1003 Lausanne
Small plate dining and sharing, alongside a mighty fine collection of cocktails, is the order of Eat Me. The concept is to try a range of small dishes from around the World so we take on the challenge and order around 8 so we can take a bite from each one. Our culinary globetrotting takes us to Japan, North & South America, Asia and Europe. Nothing offered to us is left unfinished – the plates are small but delightful and by the time we’ve got through all 8 plus a couple of cocktails we’re plenty full.
What to see
A walk around the old city takes in the beautiful 13th century Gothic Cathedral, a pedestrian area with a lively open air market and the city hall dating back to the 16th century. The jewel in Lausanne’s crown though has to be the lake side promenade in Ouchy where you can catch a ferry or hire a small boat. The shore is relatively flat and a hive of sporting activity with bikes and roller blades appearing to replace skis during the Summer months. Lausanne is full of little surprises; hopping in to a lift to climb one of the levels around Flon and all of a sudden you are presented with booming music, an outdoor boor and plenty of revelers enjoying themselves (with not a security guard or Police Officer insight).
Culture
Art Brut – Collection de l’Art Brut
Avenue Bergières 11, 1004 Lausanne
The Art Brut museum must be our favourite find of the weekend. During our visit we are treated to a brilliant outsider art exhibition of work by self taught artist and filmmaker Guy Brunet (1931) who takes his inspirations from film culture. Drawing and painting sets and characters he writes stories and screenplays creating three-dimensional works that he then painstakingly narrates and films.
The Olympic Museum
After undergoing almost 2 years of renovation the Olympic Museum re-opened in 2013 offering both a permanent exhibit alongside temporary exhibitions and a varied cultural programme. For anyone interested in the games, its history, behind the scenes or the next Olympic Games it’s a must visit destination.
Take a Day Trip
On the shores of Ouchy there are several ferry journeys that include trips across to Evian in France, to Geneva and many more. The paddle steam boats give visitors the opportunity to discover ports and castles as well as the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss and Savoy Alps. If you want to leave the buzz of the town and city behind then the World Heritage Site of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces is the perfect pictureseque trip.
The Ferry drops you at the bottom of the hills at Lutry along the shore of cute stores and independent restaurants. For the true delicacy experience stop at the popular Cafe De La Poste for the rich Escargo in garlic butter and delicious Perch Fillets with fries and Beurre Maison sauce. This will set you up for the journey on the Lavaux Express – the cute train that powers its way up the tight twists and turns of the vineyards passing stunning chateaus and breathtaking scenery along the way. The Chasselas wine produced here has been grown on the man made terraces for decades and rather conveniently there is a stop along the way so you can have a taste.
Christmas in Lausanne
Travelling to Lausanne during the Christmas season – being transported around the city on Switzerland’s only metro line – will place all guests at the front of the queue to enter the wonderland that is ‘Noël de Lausanne’. Made up of over 50 traditional wooden chalets, local traders will showcase hand crafted souvenirs, locally brewed ales, authentic cuisine and there will, of course, be something to keep the kids entertained too!
Festival Lausanne Lumières – www.festivallausannelumieres.ch
Christmas would not be Christmas without lights, and as winter approaches the lights of Lausanne become an event in themselves! For the fifth consecutive year, this eye-catching festival will bring the streets and squares of the city centre to life, displaying the illuminated works of local artists and students. During the festival visitors are also welcomed to enjoy a free guided tour to understand the inspiration behind each piece of art.
Saint François Covered Market – the largest in Europe!
Come rain or snow, Lausanne’s enchanting covered market – found in the romantic old town – is the perfect place to for both adults and children. Stroll undisturbed amongst the majestic Christmas stalls whilst admiring the view through the buildings glossy glass dome, or children can visit the luminous magic fountain, discover the ‘Père Noël’ choir, or enter a snowman-making competition! Whatever guests choose to do during their visit, there’s no need to leave empty handed, but instead with a personalised greetings photo, which can be sent directly family and friends as a postcard!
Flon Ice Rink
For the active, Lausanne’s outdoor ice rink will be open until February 2016 on the Esplanade du Flon, in the heart of the city. Warm up afterwards at the on-site snack bar, or at one of the nearby local restaurants in this trendy and vibrant area of the city. This is also the perfect arena to train for the Youth Olympic Games 2020, which is to be held in Lausanne!
For more information visit www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
Most regional airlines offer direct flights to Geneva.
