Lausanne : history, architecture and design

Grand-Pont: Tipps der Sébastien

As photography is above all a passion in addition to being my job, the Grand Pont is one of the spots I like best at sunset. You can have a global view of the Flon, awash with life, while enjoying the colours provided by the last rays of light.

Sauvabelin Tower: Tipps der Dominik

What a surprising staircase – laid out in a double helix structure, with visitors ascending and descending at opposite sides. And the fantastic views over Lausanne are not to be missed.

Palais de Rumine: Tipps der Sébastien

As a photographer, the architecture of Rumine Palace immediately appealed to me, both inside and out. It’s also a quiet place where I can work when I’m in town.

Georgette quarter: Tipps der Chloé

We all have a neighbourhood where we dream about living someday... For me, the Avenue des Alpes is one of the most beautiful streets in Lausanne with its lovely buildings reminding me of Parisian architecture, its view of the lake visible from every angle, and its sense of community: all found in a chic and tranquil neighbourhood. So, even if I can’t live here, I love to walk around...and dream.

Kiosque Saint-François: Tipps der Manon

When I get off the bus at Saint-François, I just can’t walk by without stopping. This former tramway shelter has retained its charm from the 1910s with its glass awning, its marquetry, the small fountain leaning against it and its Art Nouveau aura. Savouring a good coffee in a beautiful café, what could be better?

Saint-François square - Bourg street: Tipps der Alexandre

A place that reminds me of Parisian shopping arcades. With those small boutiques and restaurants, the place is bathed in natural light and the floor tiles add that extra touch that is so photogenic.

Escaliers du Marché: Tipps der Alexandre

The city’s small gem. A magnificent staircase that recalls Lausanne during the centuries gone by. The surrounding buildings’ pretty façades give even more appeal to this must-see place. The ascent might seem hard, but it’s worth the effort as when you reach the top, you’re at the foot of the Cathedral and have a beautiful view over the town!

La Cité: Tipps der Alexandre

Walking in these charming narrow streets where historical monuments rub shoulders with typical bars plunges me into a different time. I find the streets so photogenic and the atmosphere they convey simply incredible! I suggest you roam all the streets and end on the Esplanade of the St-Maire Castle, from where the view is stunning.

Lausanne Cathedral: Tipps der Victor

If you wish to gain height in Lausanne, head to the Cathedral. After a few dozen metres of elevation in the small streets of the old town, here you are in the Cité, at the foot of the Cathedral. It’s now time to climb the steps that lead to the top of the belfry. From there, you’ll have a 360° view over Lausanne, as well as on the Cathedral’s bells. One important tip: leave before they ring!

La Pontaise – Olympic stadium: Tipps der Marithé

The Olympic Stadium is one of my favourite places in Lausanne. I have been training there since I was 13 and I feel quite at home in that arena. When the stadium is full, whether for a football match or a concert, the atmosphere is fantastic! For me, the Athletissima meeting is an event everyone who lives in Lausanne should attend at least once.

Bel-Air Tower and Salle Métropole: Tipps der Michaël

Taking inspiration from the architectural model of American skyscrapers, the Bel-Air Tower is Switzerland’s such building. An unmissable symbol of the city, it can be spotted from afar. Just next to it is the Flon, a lively and trendy district that has successfully reinvented itself as the years have gone by to become one of the most popular areas for inhabitants and visitors alike, where architecture, art and design mix.

The Flon: Tipps der Michaël

Taking inspiration from the architectural model of American skyscrapers, the Bel-Air Tower is Switzerland’s such building. An unmissable symbol of the city, it can be spotted from afar. Just next to it is the Flon, a lively and trendy district that has successfully reinvented itself as the years have gone by to become one of the most popular areas for inhabitants and visitors alike, where architecture, art and design mix.

University of Lausanne (UNIL): Tipps der Michaël

Ideally located by the lakeside and surrounded by beautiful green spaces, UNIL and EPFL are two villages within the town. Walk around their campuses to discover the contemporary architecture of buildings designed by renowned architects. Don’t miss the Unithèque (aka “the Banana”), Vortex, Géopolis, Batochime, Rolex Learning Center, EPFL Pavilions, MED (and its staircase) and SwissTech Convention Center. And as a bonus, the colourful pedestrian underpass of the EPFL metro station.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL): Tipps der Michaël

Ideally located by the lakeside and surrounded by beautiful green spaces, UNIL and EPFL are two villages within the town. Walk around their campuses to discover the contemporary architecture of buildings designed by renowned architects. Don’t miss the Unithèque (aka “the Banana”), Vortex, Géopolis, Batochime, Rolex Learning Center, EPFL Pavilions, MED (and its staircase) and SwissTech Convention Center. And as a bonus, the colourful pedestrian underpass of the EPFL metro station.

Plateforme 10: Tipps der Vincent

Passionate about culture or photography like me, Lausanne’s new arts district is a place not to be missed. Inside the museums and especially strolling by these architectural jewels or sipping a drink on one of the terraces sheltered by the arches. To watch the comings and goings of passers-by and let yourself be lulled by the play of light and shade. A wee bonus, the cycle path that lets you avoid the roundabout in front of the train station at rush hours.