Wander medieval streets, taste authentic fondue, and explore Olympic history in this ultimate Lausanne travel guide
The City of Lausanne (Switzerland)
Lausanne (French: Lausanne) is a city in southwestern Switzerland and the capital of the French-speaking canton of Vaud. It is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva (after Geneva), combining a dynamic commercial hub with a resort town, sports, and culture. Lausanne is an old university city with elegant winding streets and serves as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Geography and Climate
Lausanne is located at the northernmost point of Lake Geneva, overlooking the Savoy Alps, on the border of the famous wine-growing regions of Lavaux and La Côte. Its elevation ranges from 372 to 929 meters above sea level. The climate in Lausanne is temperate continental with some maritime influence. Summers are warm and fairly rainy, with an average temperature of around 20 °C, while winters are cool, averaging around 0 °C.
Practical Information
- Population: 138,000
- Area: 41.38 km²
- Language: French
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Time zone: UTC +1 (Summer +2)
- Visa: Schengen
- Traditional foods: Saucisson vaudois (pork sausage), Pâté à la viande (small meat bun), Taillé aux greubons (meat pie with puff pastry), Tarte au vin cuit (apple pie), Tomme vaudois (soft mold-ripened cheese), white wine.
- Tourist offices are located at the main train station and in Ouchy.
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History
In ancient times, the area of Lausanne was settled by the Helvetii. In the 1st century BCE, these lands were conquered by Julius Caesar. In 15 BCE, the Romans established a military camp called Lousonna (Lausodunum). The settlement was destroyed in the 3rd century CE during Germanic invasions.
In the 6th century, Lausanne became part of the Frankish Kingdom. The first Christian church was built here, and the bishop’s seat was relocated. The bishops ruled Lausanne for nearly a millennium until 1536. In the 9th century, the city became part of Burgundy. In 1032, Lausanne, along with Burgundy, joined the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1218, Lausanne, along with the territories of the future canton of Vaud, became part of the Savoy dynasty’s domain. However, the bishops continued to rule the city. In the 13th century, several armed conflicts erupted between citizens and the church. In 1525, Lausanne joined the Swiss Confederation. From 1529, the city was governed by a mayor.
In 1536, Lausanne came under the rule of the Bernese dukes, losing its significance and becoming a provincial town. In 1798, the Léman Republic was proclaimed here. In 1803, the canton of Vaud was established, and Lausanne became its capital.
How to Get There
Lausanne is one of the main hubs of the Swiss Federal Railways network. The city is connected by regular train services to Bern, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, as well as Paris, Milan, and Venice. The nearest airport is in Geneva.
Attractions
Notre-Dame Cathedral – Lausanne’s cathedral, considered one of the finest examples of Gothic art in Europe. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it is one of Switzerland’s largest religious structures. Since 1529, the cathedral has been Protestant. Notre-Dame towers over Lausanne on a hill, with its central spire reaching 72 meters. The interior features stunning 13th-century stained-glass, and the crypt contains remnants of an 8th-century basilica and ancient tombs.
St. Francis Church – A historic Gothic church built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Once part of a large Franciscan monastery dissolved during the Reformation, its interior was stripped of many decorations. The square hosts an annual Christmas market.
La Cité – The district around the Cité hill, where the medieval city grew. Atop the hill stands the Notre-Dame Cathedral. La Cité features charming narrow streets and a medieval ensemble of old houses.
Ouchy – A district between the old and new harbors, stretching to the Olympic Museum. Known for its promenade, parks, and flower beds, it features a 12th-century castle where the 1923 peace treaty between Turkey and Greece was signed.
Olympic Museum – A sports museum dedicated to the origins and history of the Olympic Games, showcasing medals, equipment, and memorabilia of famous athletes.
Escaliers du Marché – Picturesque 13th-century terraced stairs leading from Palud Square to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Place de la Palud – Lausanne’s most beautiful historic square, home to the city’s oldest fountain and a 17th-century town hall. A farmers’ market is held here on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Flon – A modern, vibrant district built on former warehouse sites, filled with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cinemas, galleries, and spas. One of Lausanne’s most popular spots for socializing.
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Lausanne: A Swiss Gem Where Past Meets Future
Wandering through Lausanne’s narrow streets, you’ll marvel at how seamlessly medieval architecture blends with modern life. Nestled on slopes near Lake Geneva, this city exists in multiple dimensions: the majestic Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral speaks of its thousand-year history, while just steps away in Flon, contemporary entertainment and creative spaces thrive.
Lausanne is more than just the capital of Vaud or home to the IOC. Here, everyone finds something to enjoy—history lovers admire medieval architecture, foodies savor local dishes and wines, and outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the nearby Alps and lake.
Perhaps this is why Lausanne leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Though it may sound cliché, once you’ve been here, you’ll yearn to return and discover new facets of this Swiss pearl between mountains and water.
