Lausanne is a city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and faces the French town of Evian-les-Bains, with the Jura Mountains to its northwest. Lausanne, which is located 62 kilometers (39 miles) northeast of Geneva, is the Olympic Capital and home of the Olympic Committee. The Hotel Continental, a traditional 4-star hotel which was originally built for the 1964 World Expo, is located in the heart of the city right across from the central train station. The shores of Lake Geneva are only a few minutes walk from the hotel. Public transport as well as the M2, Lausanne's underground, is available directly outside the Hotel Continental, making it fast and easy to reach every part of the city, whether for leisure or business. The city has a 28-station metro system, making it the smallest city in the world to have a rapid transit system.
LWH Top Ten Must See Attractions
Lausanne Old Town
Lausanne Old Town with its impressive cathedral is filled with cafes and boutiques on small alleyways, shaping the streetscape of the medieval city centre. The cathedral is surrounded by beautiful, car-free roads.
Lake Geneva
Lausanne 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.
Olympic Museum
Lausanne, which is the Olympic Capital and home to the Olympic Committee, features the Olympic Museum, the world’s largest information center about the Olympic Games. The Olympic Museum provides an overview of the history of the Olympic Games, from the first 1896 summer games in Athens through to the present day.
Musee de l'Art Brut
The Musee de l’Art Brut is a unique worldwide collection of works of art created by outsiders in psychiatric clinics and prisons.
Fondation de l'Hermitage
The Fondation d’Hermitage presents changing art exhibits of the highest caliber in a magnificent setting dating from the 19th century.
Train des Vignes
The Train des Vignes is a leisurely train journey on board the “Train of Vines” from Vevey to Chexbres through the winegrowing region of the Lavaux, high above Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva Cruise
Paddlewheel steamers and motor vessels highlight the attractions of the Lake Geneva region as seen from the water.
Festival de la Cité
The Festival de la Cite is Lausanne’s Old Town festival that takes place in July. Over 120 free cultural events line the side streets of the town.
Lausanne Jazz Festival
Since its foundation, the Lausanne Jazz Festival has dedicated its program to contemporary jazz. The Festival takes place in October.
Tour de Romandie
The Tour de Romandie is the UCI Pro Tour cycling race through western Switzerland and is the most important preparatory race for the Giro d'Italia (April/May).