One of the coolest things about cities in Switzerland: they are relatively small and can be explored in one day with a family. Visit Lausanne, the city of 138,000 residents, who live on the shores of beautiful, crystal-clear Lake Geneva:
How we explored Lausanne, a French-speaking Swiss city
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh (a mix of old Italian and Latin). The biggest French-speaking cities are Geneva and Lausanne, only 30 minutes by car from one to another.
All major cities in Switzerland are located near the water and mountains, but Lausanne has something extra: nice architecture and hilly terrain.
1. Free Walk Switzerland
We like to discover new places with local guides whenever it is possible. Luckily, in Switzerland, there are many free guided tours available. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Highly recommend.
2. The Olympic Museum
Lausanne is recognized as the “Olympic Capital” as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee is located here.
The Olympic Museum is located on the shores of Lake Leman and showcases the history of the Olympic Games. Nearby – Olympic Park, great to visit too.
3. Visit Lausanne: Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium
Aquatis is an Aquarium-Vivarium located on the outskirts of Lausanne. It is the largest freshwater aquarium(!) and a living museum in Europe:
4. Tour de Sauvabelin
The Tour de Sauvabelin, on the outskirts of the Lausanne, is a wooden structure 35 meters high, and has a magnificent panorama over the city:
View from the Sauvabelin Tower: Lake Leman, mountains, and Sauvabelin Park:
5. Esplanade de Montbenon
The Montbenon esplanade is a picturesque park adjacent to another great, but the smaller park, “Parc de la Légende”.
Esplanade de Montbenon is located in the center of Lausanne and includes the Casino, Courthouse, and a statue of William Tell.
Views from the park at night:
Pictured below: a nice climbing structure for big and small right on the Esplanade:
6. The Lausanne Cathedral
The Lausanne Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre Dame, is a significant landmark with its impressive Gothic architecture:
Views over the city at the base of the Cathedral:
7. Mon-Repos Park
Lausanne has a lot of parks for such a small city! We liked the “Mon-Repos” (translated from French as “My rest” park) for … numerous birds 🙂
Mon-Repos is an English-style park, with trails, fountains, a fish pond, a theater, children’s corners, and an aviary:
8. Promenade Derrière-Bourg
One more place we liked visiting with children, has great views over the city and a Lake, Promenade Derrière-Bourg:
Thanks for reading, friends, we are very happy to have you here.
Make sure to check out hours, schedules, and fees before you go
Read next:
Winter in Strasbourg, 23 things to do with kids.
And places to visit nearby:
