Lausanne is situated on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Known for its picturesque old town, Lausanne is built on three hills, each connected by bridges and staircases, contributing to its distinctive cityscape and providing stunning views over the lake and the Alps. There are various city levels—from the lakeside Ouchy district to the bustling shopping areas around Le Flon and the medieval heart atop the hills, where the Lausanne Cathedral stands.
Our British Airways flight from San Diego to Heathrow to Geneva was perfectly timed so we could sleep and help to adjust to the 9 hour difference in times. The in-flight meals were very good.
Lausanne Cathedral
We took a Viator walking tour and this was our first stop. We climbed an insane number of stairs to get to the meeting point, realizing we both could easily pass a cardiac stress test.
The Lausanne Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lausanne, is early Gothic architecture and is the largest Gothic church in Switzerland. Construction began in 1170 under the direction of Bishop Landry de Durnes and took roughly 70 years to complete, being consecrated in 1275 in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg, which underscored its spiritual and political significance in the region.
Originally built for the Catholic Church, the cathedral faced a major transformation in 1536 when Bernese troops invaded the canton of Vaud and imposed the Protestant Reformation. This change turned the cathedral into a Protestant place of worship, leading to significant alterations consistent with Reformed principles. Much of the Catholic iconography, including altars, statues, relics and ornate mural paintings were removed or covered to reflect Protestant austerity. The veneration of the Virgin Mary was discontinued, marking a profound shift in religious practice and symbolism within the cathedral. The great pipe organ of Lausanne’s Cathedral of Notre Dame is a modern, one‑of‑a‑kind instrument completed and inaugurated in December 2003. The organ has roughly 7,000–7,400 pipes and weighs on the order of 40–50 tons,
Lausanne Palace
We stayed here for a few nights and really enjoyed this ornate 5-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. The apricot chocolate mouse was to die for. It was opened in 1915 and is in a central location with easy access by foot or their bus system to the main sites. The hotel also includes a large spa and wellness center. Our room had a great view of Lake Geneva with Evian, France in the background.
This friendly dog loves to lie in the sun and greet anyone who passes by next to his owner’s small shop.
The old metal shop signs in Lausanne, like many in Europe, originated as a practical and artistic means to identify shops and businesses before widespread literacy and formal street numbering. These wrought-iron signs often featured symbolic imagery corresponding to the trade or products sold inside to help illiterate customers recognize the services offered. They were also used as decorative landmarks and a form of advertising, becoming elaborate and artistic works through the craftsmanship of specialized blacksmiths.
In Europe, some old shop signs with figures of black men were traditionally linked to coffee merchants or establishments selling coffee, which was associated with African origins and trade routes.
Walking the Streets of Lausanne
We really enjoyed walking the streets and taking in all of the ambience of the city.
William Tell is significant to Switzerland as a legendary folk hero and a powerful symbol of Swiss independence and resistance against tyranny. The story originates from the early 14th century during the oppressive rule of the Habsburgs over the Swiss cantons. According to legend, William Tell was a skilled marksman who famously refused to bow to the hat placed by the tyrannical bailiff Hermann Gessler on a pole in the village square of Altdorf. As punishment, Tell was forced to shoot an apple off his son’s head with a crossbow, a feat he successfully accomplished without harming his son. Tell’s defiance did not stop there; he ultimately assassinated Gessler, sparking a rebellion that contributed to the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy. This uprising led to the Swiss cantons swearing an oath of allegiance to defend their freedom, which is commemorated on August 1 as Swiss National Day. William Tell became an enduring symbol of bravery, liberty and national identity, embodying the struggle for political and individual freedom in Switzerland.
Ouchy-Waterfront District
We walked downhill to the shores of Lake Geneva.
The large contemporary “C”-shaped statue on the Lausanne waterfront is called the Éole Sculpture. Created by artist Clelia Bettua, it was installed in 1995 at the Port d’Ouchy marina along Lake Geneva. This striking, 20-meter diameter metal sculpture functions as a giant weather vane that swings and shifts direction with the wind, symbolizing the movement and essence of air. It is set out on a small rocky breakwater, making it accessible only by water or from the nearby jetty, adding to its dramatic presence by the lakeside.
Around the waterfront area there were numerous statues and flowers still in bloom.
Olympic Museum
Lausanne is globally recognized for its strong Olympic heritage as it hosts the International Olympic Committee headquarters. The Olympic Museum is a must-visit attraction, providing interactive exhibits that bring the history and spirit of the Olympic Games to life for visitors of all ages. We enjoyed all the sculptures around the grounds. On our way back to the hotel we took a couple of city buses. They were crowded, but easy and fun.
Traveling With Friends
We met up with our good friends Katie and Jim. A longtime friend of theirs, Tom, also joined us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant with views of Lake Geneva.
