Lausanne (Switzerland) is a very beautiful city with a huge number of attractions that can be found literally at every step. The town cordially welcomes tourists from all over the world all year round, inviting to numerous historical buildings, museums, houses of famous people and other places that you should definitely visit.

History in Lausanne "lives" side by side with modernity. Towers and cathedrals harmoniously look against the backdrop of quiet streets with high-speed metro, and green parks "dilute" the continuous flow of people and cars.

What are the main city attractions? Lausanne (Switzerland) in the first place can boast of Lake Geneva - one of the most beautiful in Europe. Two underground rivers flow into it. Arriving in the city, you should immediately go to the promenade called Ouchy. This place is considered the most beautiful in the city. Along the embankment, chestnut trees are planted, which create a shade - a favorable environment in the summer heat. Near the water is a huge castle of the XII century, erected by the local bishop. His story is interesting and incredible. It will definitely be told to tourists who come here. From the story, you will learn about its fate as a prison, and how it was destroyed and then rebuilt. Today, the castle houses a hotel.

Lausanne (Switzerland) is partly a sports city. If you walk further along the embankment, you will find yourself in the Olympic Museum, where there are many artifacts related to sports.

Tourists enter the old city after the embankment. Here is the square with the Ryumin Palace - the pearl of the old city. The palace was built in the Renaissance style in the 19th century. The university was located here for a long time, and now the building houses a library and museums.

Lausanne (Switzerland) also boasts the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, which is rightfully included in the list of the most beautiful churches in Europe and the world. The Cathedral will not leave anyone indifferent: carved seats, sculptures, a huge organ make the heart beat faster.

Not far from the cathedral is another palace, which now houses a museum of history with large quantity historical exhibits dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. There is also a model of the city of the Middle Ages. It occupies about 20 square meters and shows what Lausanne (Switzerland) once was. Photos of the city in the past also catch the eye of visitors and make them move back centuries.

Not far from the cathedral is also located the Museum of Design and Arts. Various kinds of exhibitions are continuously held here, there are also permanent exhibitions. By the way, Russian tourists do not pass by the house where the famous writer Marina Tsvetaeva once lived. And that's not all the sights! Lausanne (Switzerland) - a city where you can walk for hours, visiting more and more interesting places. Here time seems to stop, leaving unforgettable memories and impressions!

Framed by the emerald waters of Lake Geneva and surrounded by vineyards, against the backdrop of the Savoy Alps rising on the horizon, lies ancient Lausanne. Its streets are filled with ancient monuments, its nature is worthy of the brushes of Shishkin and Levitan, and for many years it has been considered the most picturesque city in Switzerland.

People have lived here for centuries, and in 15 BC. e. The Romans founded the settlement of Luzonna on this site. Since then, the city has seen a lot: the fall of the Roman Empire, the invasion of Napoleon, fires, epidemics and uprisings, but managed to survive everything, turning today into the capital of the French-speaking canton of Vaud and the cultural, economic and sports center of the country.

Once in Lausanne, you find yourself in a quiet provincial paradise. Winding cobbled streets call for a walk among fountains and gardens, and a leisurely promenade through the Old Town promises a meal in elite restaurants and excellent shopping in the best boutiques. Walk along narrow alleyways past Gothic castles and ancient churches, and look into city parks that beckon with lush greenery. From the first minutes, Lausanne will captivate the eye and you feel at home here.

The atmosphere of a cozy town and the healing air of Lake Geneva have made Lausanne a world center of health and beauty. Hundreds of people from all over the world come here every year to relieve stress and improve their health in the best clinics in Europe. However, one exquisite nature and a wonderful view of the Alps are already able to replace a lot of anti-stress drugs.

But not only tourists appreciate Lausanne for its beauty - at different times many outstanding personalities admired it. Mozart and Byron, Stravinsky, Shelley and Hugo lived and rested here, and Hemingway settled his characters in one of the city's hotels. The unique landscapes and developed infrastructure have attracted all the key international sports institutions here, making this place the Olympic capital of the world. And how many times Lausanne has been depicted on the canvases of famous artists, even recognized art critics will not count!

Lausanne enchants its travelers with its native, almost homely comfort, and it seems that the very air in it is saturated with true Swiss hospitality. You can list the merits of this city for a long time, but just one visit here will tell more than hundreds of tourist brochures will write. Become a good guest of Lausanne during your holiday here, imbued with its provincial spirit, and you will leave the city with a pinch of its warmth inside and wonderful memories.

Cathedral of Our Lady

For several centuries, the ancient Cathedral of Notre Dame has been rising above the city, at a height of 150 meters. The construction of this majestic building began in 1175 and lasted more than a century. The main city temple was consecrated by Pope Gregory X himself, and soon it turned into a real mecca for pilgrims from neighboring regions. Imagine, during the Middle Ages, the cathedral received up to 70,000 people, despite the fact that the population of the city was only 7,000 inhabitants! The reason for such popularity was the golden Mother of God, who was believed to heal people - later she gave the temple its name.

Today, this church is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Its doors and façade are decorated with intricate bas-reliefs and terrifying stone gargoyles that serve as drains during heavy rains. Particular attention of the guests of the building is attracted by picturesque stained-glass windows, one of which - a rose - dates back to the 12th century and demonstrates the allegorical change of seasons. Fragments of paintings on the southern wall of the nave and carved wooden choir stalls have survived from that time in the interior decoration. And the main attraction of the church is a huge organ of 7,000 pipes - the largest in Switzerland!

During the warm months, there are guided tours around the cathedral, during which you can not only get acquainted with its decoration, but also climb the south tower - from there you can enjoy an amazing view of the city and the nature of the surroundings. True, for this you will have to overcome 225 steps of a long staircase, but your efforts will be rewarded with wonderful photographs and unforgettable impressions!

Botanical Garden

Almost in the very center of the bustling city, like an oasis of nature and silence, there is the botanical garden of Lausanne, beloved by citizens and tourists. Created back in the 19th century as a visual guide to medicinal plants, today it serves as a great place for walking, sports and picnics. The path to this paradise lies along well-groomed paths surrounded by green lawns. Climbing them up the hill, you will find yourself among several thousand outlandish trees and bright flowers growing in arboretums and greenhouses. There are picturesque ponds and small lakes everywhere, and quick squirrels are not at all afraid of people and frolic right under your feet! Take a walk along the cozy paths, look into the wonderful fragrant rock garden. Throughout the area of ​​the botanical garden there are drinking fountains and benches so that on a hot day you can relax in the shade and enjoy a crispy ice cream cone. In addition to many interesting plants, the Cantonal Museum of Botany has been located in the garden since 1967. In it you can get acquainted with 30,000 old engravings and a rich collection of rare books dedicated to this science. But it is best to visit the botanical garden in the evening: with the advent of twilight, lanterns are lit around the entire perimeter, flickering lights begin to work, and a leisurely promenade among hundreds of aromas acquires a sense of fabulousness and magic!

Church of Saint Francis

The second masterpiece of urban Gothic architecture after the Cathedral is the church of St. Francis located on Saint Francois Square. It was erected in 1272 by monks from the Franciscan order on the territory of their monastery and was originally a majestic temple with rich decoration. In the next century, the building was badly damaged by fire, but it was restored. During the years of the Reformation, the monastery was closed, but the church continued to operate. True, very few details of the interior of that time have survived to this day - now the temple is Protestant, and as you know, Protestants do not welcome the decoration of spiritual places, so nothing remains of the interior decor. Modest decoration, both outside and inside, is designed not to distract parishioners from decent thoughts. But although the church has changed over time, it still plays a big role in the life of Lausanne. Under these arches, organ concerts are regularly held, which gather not only believers, but also ordinary fans of classical music, and the Church of St. Francis itself is still considered one of the main religious buildings of the city.

Embankment Ushi

The most romantic place in Lausanne is the Ouchy embankment. Ushi is a cozy urban area that was a miniature village several centuries ago. AT different time many famous personalities admired the beauty of local landscapes. Marina Tsvetaeva walked along this embankment, Lenin, who was visiting the city, arranged morning promenades here with a cup of tea, and the famous Georges Simenon wrote his detective stories in solitude. Today, on the embankment, you can see many couples and families with children resting near the water. Admire the yachts leaving into the distance, propping up the skies with their masts, feed tame swans and nimble gulls. It may seem that the embankment is small, but in reality it stretches quite far. Hundreds of tourists visit Ushi daily to enjoy the artistic views and visit the Olympic Museum next door. A majestic neo-Gothic castle also rises not far from here, so don't forget to take your camera with you when going for a walk. And if you wish, you can rent a boat and rush along the water surface with a breeze - impressions that you will remember for a long time!

Fountain "Justice"

Getting into Lausanne, one of the first things that strike the guests of the city is the myriad of fountains operating on the streets. Large and miniature, ancient and modern - they seem to adorn every corner of the city! But the most famous and amazing of all of them is considered to be the "Fountain of Justice" or, as the locals call it, "Justice". In the very heart of the city, on Palu Square, it appeared in the 16th century and is an octagonal pool decorated with flowers. In the center of the composition is a pillar on which Themis stands blindfolded. In one hand she holds the traditional scales, in the other - a sword punishing criminals. Initially, the figure of the goddess of justice was carved in the middle of the 16th century, and in 1997 it was replaced by a duplicate - its original was placed in the Museum of History and Art due to its high value. 4 figures gathered at the feet of the statue - the pope, the judge, the sultan and the emperor. Together, they personify the inviolability of the law in front of any person, regardless of status.

Interestingly, the fountain "Justice" is not the only one of its kind, and in many cities of Switzerland - Bern, Solothurn, Neuchâtel and others - there are exact copies of this statue.

Leisure

Lausanne is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations Switzerland, which guarantees you a rich and interesting leisure! First of all, this city is famous for its natural resources, which gives guests many opportunities for outdoor activities. Water sports, mountain biking, mountain climbing - they all promise tourists an unforgettable experience and a good dose of adrenaline! Lausanne is also ideal for hiking, not only in picturesque parks, but also in entire groves near the center. And do not forget about world competitions that annually gather thousands of spectators from all over the world in the city - Tour de Romandie cycling and athletics Athletissima.

Theatergoers will love the famous Lausanne Opera, the birthplace of the iconic Béjart Ballet. However, everyday performances and productions with the participation of leading actors and singers of the country are no less interesting in it. And how many entertaining museums there are in this city! Get to know history Olympic Games in the legendary Olympic Museum, visit the Museum of Smoking Pipes, beloved by tourists, and the collection of paintings by patients of psychiatric hospitals in Art Brut will surprise even the worldly art lover!

Thanks to its wonderful nature and developed infrastructure, every year Lausanne hosts various holidays and festivals. So, in the summer you can get to the Festival de la Cité with hundreds of cultural events throughout the city (theatrical, musical, literary performances, etc.), the purpose of which is to mix different cultures, or visit one of the local film festivals that organize film screenings. In autumn, the Jazzonze+ Festival Lausanne takes place here, an event dedicated to contemporary jazz, which includes concerts and street performances. In addition, fairs and street concerts are often organized here, which will brighten up your leisure time, regardless of the time of your vacation!

How to get there

To get to Lausanne, you will need to fly to Geneva, then either go to the city by car (an hour and a half), or go there on one of the Geneva trains that run every 3-4 hours from the main station (from half an hour to 50 minutes roads).

local transport

The main transport in Lausanne are buses and trolleybuses, they serve most of the city's destinations. The metro consists of one line and connects the port of Oushi with the Ghar area (where the railway station is located). You can also order a taxi around the city, for this you need to call 080 080 58 05 or 084 481 08 10. However, Lausanne, like many other cities in Switzerland, is a small town and you can walk or ride a bike. By the way, you can rent the latter from April to October at several points in the city center.

Hotels

In miniature Lausanne, dozens of hotels and hostels await you for every taste and every rank. The main thing is to book a room in advance - this town is so loved by travelers that the best accommodation options are sorted out long before the start of the tourist season!

The most picturesque views from the rooms are offered to guests at the Beau-Rivage Palace (5 *), which is located in a historic century-old mansion and overlooks a wonderful lake and the majestic Alps. And, of course, this place would not have 5 stars without a chic spa, several bars, a fitness center, a swimming pool and a real gastronomic mecca - Anne-Sophie Peak restaurant, which has 3 Michelin stars!

Château d'Ouchy (4 *) is the most famous hotel in the city. Housed in an ancient stone fortress of the 12th century on the shores of Lake Geneva, it offers its guests wide range various services: relax in the sauna or Turkish bath, dine in an upscale restaurant, admire the wonderful natural scenery from the sun terrace. And in the evening, a favorite pastime of its guests is tasting cocktails in the outdoor pool and watching the starry sky!

On the territory of the Elite Hotel (3 *) you find yourself in an oasis of calm and silence in the heart of a dynamic city. Stroll through its lush gardens and enjoy the beautiful views of Lausanne from your room. Guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and free parking, and a few meters from the hotel there are opera, Old city and famous museums.

LHotel (1 *) is not a hotel, but a youth dream. It is located in the city center nightlife, and around it works with a dozen clubs and discos. The rooms are bright and airy, and each room comes with your own iPad! In addition, stopping here gives you discounted access to the nearby spa and dining at the hotel cafe.

If you are looking for a budget and comfortable accommodation, Hôtel du Marché (2*) is the best choice! It has everything you need: a kettle, TV, parking and Wi-Fi, and in the morning you can count on delicious and hearty breakfasts. By the way, it is located in the very center of the city, which means that all the main attractions and leading boutiques will be within walking distance from you.

Restaurants

Lausanne is famous for its provincial comfort and the atmosphere of an old town, while offering its guests dozens of elite establishments. Michelin-starred restaurants, prestigious bars and atmospheric lounges all add flavor and aroma to your journey through the ancient streets!

La Table d'Edgar is a mecca of true gourmets and an object of imitation for the sharks of the restaurant business throughout the country. The highest-ranking residents of the city consider it an honor to visit this luxurious establishment. On its menu you will find the best French and Greek cuisines, and near its entrance - a dozen shiny limousines. Visitors can order here oysters, sea bream with a delicate sauce, original cocktails and many more interesting dishes.

Entering the Krug Room, you find yourself in a real library. Soft armchairs, shelves with hundreds of books, dark wood furniture and classic floor lamps - from reading room this place is distinguished only by a rich menu and quiet pleasant music for the atmosphere. Reading here or not reading is everyone's business, but the chefs themselves advise combining a glass of delicious Krug Champagne with a volume of something from the classics! In the restaurant's menu you can find juicy steaks, spiced eggs, Alaska ice cream cake.

The Beau-Rivage Café restaurant is a tribute to the French temperament. The menu is replete with cigars, whiskey and delicacies from the country-trendsetter, and bands perform French pop hits every evening. And having eaten deliciously, the guests start dancing right against the backdrop of the majestic views of the mountains opening from the window - in general, they spend time decorously and cheerfully, as connoisseurs of French culture should! Asparagus soup, beef stroganoff, pasta with lobster and vegetables - there are dishes for every taste!

Le Grill-Piscine is open only in summer and offers you a picnic in European style. Its tables are located in a picturesque garden, and anyone can take part in the preparation of a barbecue or wait for their meal in the summer pool. Light salads and grilled appetizers form the basis of the menu, while the local bar will prepare a delicious and invigorating cocktail for you. What else do tourists need in the warm Swiss summer?

L'Accademia is the city's leading Italian restaurant. Start the day with a gourmet dish of baked sunfish with a delicate sauce of miniature shrimp. Dine on delicious pasta with dozens of spices, the establishment's signature dish based on a secret recipe. And a bottle of excellent vintage wine will be a wonderful decoration of the evening - in this place there is always something to surprise you, regardless of the time of your visit!

shopping

The Made in Switzerland label has always been the epitome of quality, as you can see when you go shopping in Lausanne. It is worth starting shopping from the historical center - the Old Town, literally flooded with boutiques and shopping centers. Especially popular among the latter is Flon, a huge mall with over 100 clothing and footwear stores spread over 55,000 m², including brands such as Calvin Klein, ES Collection and American Vintage. You will also find a wide selection of furniture and antiques here. Over 1,500 shops for all tastes await you in the Palud area and Rue de Boer. There, in addition to countless boutiques of outerwear and luxury watches, you will find many souvenir shops and food shops. So, Laduree Lausanne is popular for its edible souvenirs and delicacies; for a variety of cheeses and sausages, it is best to go to the farmhouse La Ferme Vaudoise, and in the tiny Chocolatier Blondel you will find a true paradise for the sweet tooth. A distinctive feature of most city shops is their high-class service. For example, buying perfume in one of the local boutiques, in addition, you can get beautiful packaging, a postcard and a bouquet of flowers for free!

The colorful Lausanne markets boast a special love of travelers. The most famous of them is the Central Bazaar, where twice a week you can buy vegetables, fruits, meat and various household utensils. Citizens and tourists are equally interested in the Craft Market, where you will find a huge number of souvenirs and gifts made by the best city craftsmen.

“And there is such silence in the air, such silence and eternal coolness, and honey of fragrant herbs, and mountain spring!” - Dmitry Merezhkovsky writes so sublimely and romantically about Switzerland - a favorite place of rest for the Russian intelligentsia and the creative elite for a long time. You can relax in these truly magical places both alone and in a pleasant company - everyone will discover here for himself that Switzerland that will swallow him whole and fall in love with himself forever.

The most picturesque and cozy city in the country of mountains and small cozy houses is Lausanne. What else is this city famous for? First of all, the fact that, despite the fact that Lausanne is one of the smallest Swiss cities and you can get around it on foot, it is in this city that the largest number of attractions is concentrated.

Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe. The southern part of the lake belongs to France, and the northern part belongs to Switzerland, where many cities and resorts are located along the banks. Interestingly, the locals call this Lake Leman.

Everyone who has visited Lausanne at least once should definitely visit a popular excursion in these places on small steamboats on the lake in order to fully enjoy the pastoral landscapes of the surrounding mountains and forests. For those who would like to improve their health on the shore of the lake, there are several medical centers that have gained recognition around the world thanks to the work of the best specialists.

The natural and cultural complex Lavaux Terrace Vineyards has been known since ancient times, but it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List only in 2007. Vineyards Lavaux stretched along the shores of Lake Geneva for 30 km.

You can visit the vineyards at any time of the year, but the most incredible experience of visiting this place can be obtained in the fall, when nature turns purple and gold, and the autumn sun highlights the ripe bunches of berries. In addition, many wineries, equipped in these places, offer to take part in excursions, without fail with a tasting of the best varieties of wines from these places.

Montbenon is one of the famous parks of Lausanne, which is a great place to contemplate the most picturesque views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Numerous lawns of the park are never empty, because this is a great place for a family holiday with many cafes. In addition, live performances by musicians will be a pleasant surprise for visitors to the park, and in the summer Montbenon is the venue for jazz festivals. But in addition to the beautiful garden and numerous lawns, the park also has places that are memorable for every resident of the city, such as the monument and chapel of William Tell, the national hero of Switzerland, as well as the Palace of Justice, created in the 19th century.

Location: allée Ernest-Ansermet - 3.

The park was created in the style of an English landscape park of the 18th century. This elegant garden is known for the fact that Voltaire himself once stayed in the villa located in its center.

As for the attractions of the park, among them are huge exotic trees, a small waterfall and a mysterious cave, a Gothic tower and a temple. Walking through the park, you can meet various birds, aviaries with which are also located in Mon Repos.

Lovers of flowers and vegetation will not leave indifferent the Botanical Garden of Lausanne. Entrance to the garden is completely free, but you can book a tour for a small fee.

The garden is one of the unique places in Europe, as it is here that the most big collection predator plants, as well as various tropical plants. Since the garden was originally organized in the 19th century as a space for teaching students of a medical university located nearby at that time, there is still an old library and a museum of botany in the garden.

Location: Avenue de Cour 14bis.

The Sauvabelin wooden tower is one of the most popular observation decks in Lausanne. The height of the tower is 35 meters and anyone who wants to enjoy the beautiful views of the city can climb the tower according to the schedule of its work.

Architecturally of interest spiral staircase, along which tourists climb the tower. In general, the Sauvabelin tower is one of the greatest sights of the city, although it was built only in 2003. For those traveling with children, it is interesting that there is a small zoo in the park where the tower is located.

The building of the station made by architects in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style gives fame to this place. In addition to the fact that having visited this place, you can feel that you have traveled into the past, this railway station does not cease to perform its function to this day and it is from here that you can continue your journey to Paris, Milan or Zurich.

Despite the fire and the passage of a fairly large number of years since the founding of the church back in the 13th century, the cathedral is still open to the public. Unfortunately, at the moment, the architectural appearance of the church has been somewhat modified due to the transition in the 16th century of the church to the department of Protestants who do not accept architectural excesses, but, nevertheless, its interior decoration and the 56-meter bell tower built in the Gothic style are something that must certainly see every tourist.

Another masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Lausanne is Lausanne Cathedral. Despite the fact that its construction began in the 12th century, according to a number of architects and culturologists, it is still unfinished. This cathedral is also famous for its large-scale 8-meter stained-glass window depicting the universe with the central figure of God. Some towers of the cathedral are observation platforms from which everyone can capture one of the views of the city.

The history of the Lausanne Opera House began in the 18th century after the French Revolution, which opened the doors to this art form. Then, in the 18th century, in Lausanne, according to historians, there were more than 10 theaters, provided that at that time not so many people lived in the city.

Today, the Lausanne Opera House is a favorite place for the musical elite not only in Europe, but also in Russia. And not so long ago, a new service appeared in this theater - an excursion for children, which allows you to see the theater from the inside.

Location: Avenue du Théâtre - 12.

Lausanne will appeal not only to lovers of antiquity, but will also surprise anyone who crosses the threshold of the Museum of Modern Art with bold design finds. A number of different expositions will be remembered, if not forever, then for a long time. It is here that paintings from ordinary plastic bags and glass are presented, as well as everything that at first glance has absolutely no artistic value.

Location: Place de la Cathédrale - 6.

Another no less eccentric Lausanne museum presents the Art Brut collection - paintings by outcasts, vagabonds and mentally ill people. The museum was organized by the artist Dubuffet back in 1972 and since then has not lost its fame as the strangest museum in Lausanne.

Location: Avenue Bergières - 11.

Since Lausanne is the sports capital of Switzerland, the Olympic Museum is the least that can convey the nation's love for sports. The museum presents many expositions reflecting the entire history of the Olympic Games from their appearance to Ancient Greece and up to the present day.

Location: Quai d'Ouchy - 1.

The ancient castle of Ushy is not only an ancient architectural complex, but also an amazing hotel with only 50 rooms. All rooms are made in the old castle traditions, and therefore allow each guest to plunge into the charming romantic atmosphere of the past, but with all the comforts of the present.

Another castle - Saint-Mer is a medieval fortress, once designed to protect the bishops. Times are changing, and now the castle belongs to the Council of the Canton of Vaud, so there is no way to enjoy the beauty of the castle from the inside, but you can explore the castle from the outside as much as you want.

The Ryumin Palace is one of the greatest renaissance monuments in Lausanne. Russian tourists will certainly be touched by the story of immigrants - Vasily Bestuzhev-Ryumin and Ekaterina Shakhovskaya, who left Ryazan and found their shelter in Lausanne. Once the building also housed the University of Lausanne, today the palace combines museums of archeology, history, geology, zoology, fine arts and even money.

Location: Place de la Riponne - 6.

Palu Square is the main square in the old part of the city. The famous fountain of the 16th century now makes this square famous, and twice a month the largest gastronomic fair unfolds on this square, which even the most famous chefs rush to visit.

You can feed tame swans and gulls by walking along the Usha embankment, which stretches along the shores of Lake Geneva. It is known that the Usha embankment is Marina Tsvetaeva's favorite place for walking, and here, sitting over a cup of coffee in one of the coastal cafes, Georges Simenon wrote his detective stories.

It is up to you to decide whether to go to Lausanne or not, but, perhaps, not one city in Switzerland has such a unique feature - the interweaving of the old and the new in such a way that neither one nor the other causes rejection or condemnation, because the amazing nature of these places and clean air will smooth out any contradictions.

August 16, 2016

Lausanne

Guide to Lausanne:

- a beautiful picturesque town, the capital, located on Lake Geneva. Much less famous than, nevertheless, it leaves a much more positive impression, leaving a desire to return again.

Lausanne has been inhabited since the Stone Age, then there was a Roman city. In 1803, the capital of which is Lausanne, joined the Swiss Confederation.

For centuries, Lausanne has been a favorite destination for all sorts of emigrants and expats, in particular deposed monarchs. The city especially flourished during the Age of Enlightenment, being associated with Rousseau and Voltaire, two of the greatest writers of the 18th century. Until now, many French-speaking Swiss love this city for its understated elegance and artistry.

To learn more about all the sights of Lausanne, you can download the application under iPhone - Guide to Lausanne- link in the upper right corner. There is much more information there.

Getting around in Lausanne:

Lausanne is located on a strong slope, so the city is not recommended for those who have difficulty walking. The station is located somewhere in the middle of the slope. Below there will be a lake with the Ouchy embankment and the lake of the same name, as well as the Olympic Museum. The old town and most of the sights are located above the station. A newly opened subway connects the upper districts to the lakeside promenade.

Tour of Lausanne it is better to organize as follows: from the station, take a walk or take the metro to the lake embankment. To do this, from the station you need to go out following the signs to the surface and then turn under the blue letter M. This will be the metro station Lausanne-Gare . End station at the lake Lausanne-Ouchy - will be neatly opposite. A little to the left, if you exit the metro, there will be a tourist office where you can get a free map of the city and useful information.

After walking along the embankment, it is worth taking the same metro to the station Riponne . Coming out of the metro you will find yourself on the square in front of the Ryumin Palace. Behind him on the hill will rise the cathedral.

From the cathedral, go down to the lake - you will come out to the town hall and to the city center. Ending the tour at the metro station Lausanne Flon , you can drive down towards Ouchy 1 more station - and you will be at the station.

Getting to Lausanne:

See www.sbb.ch for the exact timetable.

Ticket price: From Zurich - 71 CHF, from Bern - 32 CHF, from - 26 CHF one way second class.

Attractions in Lausanne:

The easiest way to start is by walking down to the lake, and from there take the metro to the old town.

House of Marina Tsvetaeva

If you walk down a little from the station, you will come across a house (Boulevard de Grancy, house number 3), in which in 1903-1904. little Marina lived while studying at a French boarding school. A commemorative plaque hangs on the house, including in pre-revolutionary Russian.

In memory of this time, the poetess writes:

Mother held our hands
To us looking at the bottom of the soul.
Oh, this hour, the eve of parting,
Oh before sunset at Ouchy!

“Everything is in knowledge, the sciences will tell you.
I don’t know… Fairy tales are good!”
Oh those slow sounds
Oh, this music in Ouchy!

We are close. Together our hands.
We are sad. Time, don't rush!
Oh, this hour, the eve of torment,
O pink evening in Ouchy!

Promenade Ouchy and Chateau d´Ouchy

The Lausanne embankment is a great place for romantic walks - picturesque stones frame the lake, lazy seagulls rest on the stones, the public walks slowly in the shade of chestnut trees.

Near the coast is the castle of the same name Ears (Chateau d´Ouchy). It was built around 1170. The owner of the castle was the Bishop of Lausanne. In 1207, the castle tower was destroyed by Count Thomas de Maurienne, but soon Bishop Roger I restored the castle. Since 1283 the castle has been mentioned as an episcopal residence. After Bern's conquest of Vaud in 1536, the castle was used as a prison. In 1609, the castle was badly damaged by arson.

In 1885, the castle was purchased by the canton of Vaud and partly restored in neo-Gothic style as a hotel.

If you walk from the castle along the embankment to the left about 500 meters, then a little in the depths will be:

Olympic Museum - Musée olympique

Since the International Olympic Committee was established in Lausanne in 1915, the city authorities decided in 1993 to open a museum dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games starting from Ancient Greece. The museum has a huge collection of sports, artistic and cultural artifacts, including a collection of stamps and coins, a library, an information center, a video library with the most significant historical moments of the games.

• Opening hours: May-Sept 9-14 (Thurs - until 20), Oct-Apr 9-18
• Address: Quai d'Ouchy 1
• Getting there: walk left along the promenade or take buses 8 or 25 to Musée Olympique.
• Entrance: adults 15 CHF, students, seniors and children 6-16 - 10 CHF, children under 6 free. Family ticket - 35 CHF.
• www.olympic.org

From the embankment itself, you can take the metro to the Old Town. The metro is marked with the letter M and has two lines (1 and 2). Line 2 rises from the embankment. It is not necessary to transfer to the old town, you can just get off at the Rippone station.

Rumine Palace (Palais de Rumine)

The Ryumin Palace is located on the Place de la Riponne. The palace was built in the Florentine Renaissance style at the end of the 19th century at the expense of the Russian Bestuzhev-Ryumin family. The construction of the palace began in 1892 under the direction of the architect Gaspard André, and was completed only by 1904. The building housed the University of Lausanne (UNIL), but in 1980, due to lack of space, it moved to another building. Now the palace building houses the cantonal and university libraries and there are several museums:

• Art Museum
• Museum of Archeology and History
• Currency Museum
• Museum of Geology
• Museum of Zoology

Notre Dame Cathedral

Cathedral of Notre-Dame- The Cathedral of Our Lady - rises above the trees east of the station. The church is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It is located at an altitude of 150 m above the level of Lake Geneva.

The plan of the building is somewhat unusual: the apse is slightly inclined towards the nave, as if the Virgin Mary bowed her head to her child.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1175, and in 1275 the church was consecrated by Pope Gregory X. During his stay in Lausanne, the pope met with Rudolf of Habsburg, Emperor of Germany and the entire Roman Empire.

In the Middle Ages, the cathedral was a pilgrimage mecca: every year it received up to 70,000 pilgrims, while the city's population was only about 7,000 people.

The doors and facade of the cathedral are richly decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs. In the 19th century, the cathedral was restored under the direction of the architects Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

The interior of the building is rather austere, with the exception of carved wooden seats on the choir stalls of the 13th century. The Gothic round stained-glass window in the south wall of the transverse nave - the "rose" - also dates from the 13th century. It depicts a number of saints, astrological symbols and allegories of the seasons. The cathedral also houses the largest organ in Switzerland, with seven thousand pipes.

With the adoption of Protestantism, the interior of the church underwent a number of changes: the furniture and the famous statues of the Virgin and Child enthroned in gold and silver from the 12th century, as well as the carved choirs, disappeared.

The cathedral has two towers, on one of them there is an observation deck, where you can climb over 225 steps.

• Address: Place de la Cathedrale
• Entrance to the tower: 2 CHF.

Musée Historique de Lausanne/Ancien-Evêché

The Historical Museum of Lausanne is located very close to the Cathedral.

The museum is located in the building of the Bishop's Palace, built at the beginning of the 15th century. Ancien-Evêché has a 13th-century fortified tower and a collection of archaeological finds from the territory of Lausanne. You can see a model of the old city in the 17th century, about 23 square meters in size.

• Opening hours: Sept-June Sun-Thu 11-18, Fri-Sun 11-17; July-Aug daily 11-18.
• Address: Place de la Cathedrale, 4
• Getting there: 16 bus to Pierre Viret or metro to Rippone.
• Entrance: adults CHF 8, pensioners CHF 5, students and children under 17 free.

Design Museum - Musee de Design et d´Arts Appliques Contemporains (MUDAC)

Museum of Design and Crafts Lausanne with an abbreviation that is funny to the Russian ear is also located near the Cathedral of Lausanne. The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits. You will be able to admire a large collection of modern glass works, as well as a very beautiful collection of art objects from Ancient Egypt and China.

• Opening hours: Sun 11-21, Wed-Sun 11-18.
• Address: Place de la Cathedrale, 6
• Getting there: 16 bus to Pierre Viret or metro to Rippone.
• www.mudac.ch

Walking a little southwest along the Escaliers du Marché street, you will find yourself in the square:

Place de la Palud

In this area you can see Hotel de Ville- local town hall. The building has a 17th-century facade in the spirit of the Renaissance. It was completely restored in the 1970s. Today it is the headquarters of the city council.

Located on the square Fountain of Justice. The fountain pool dates back to 1557 and is the oldest pool in Lausanne. The original statue of Justice was made in 1585 but has now been replaced by a copy. Hours with animated historical scenes show a mini-performance every hour from 9 am to 7 pm daily.

On Wednesday and Sunday mornings, an open-air market is held on the square, where you can buy the freshest products.

From the square, go west along Rue Saint Laurent and turn left from the church onto Rue Pichard. Follow it to the Rue de Grand-Point.
After crossing the bridge, turn left onto Place Saint-François, and then almost immediately left again onto the smaller Rue de Bourg street that goes around the church:

L´Eglise Saint-François‎ is a church. St. Francis

The construction of the church was completed in 1272 under the leadership of the Franciscan monks. During the Middle Ages, the temple was the center of a large monastic complex, protected by the southern city wall.

The nave of the church was completely redone after the fire in Lausanne in 1368. At the same time, a clock tower was added. The chapel and frescoes were made with donations from wealthy families in the 14th and 15th centuries.

In 1536, the Reformation came to the city along with the Barn troops and the monastery was closed. The monastic church was stripped of its church decorations and made the parish church of the Lower City (Ville Basse).

In 1664, John Lill, an Englishman and former magistrate of King Charles I, who fled to Lausanne after the execution of the king, was killed in this church by the Stuart minions.
Other monastic buildings have not been preserved: the last remaining walls were demolished in 1895-1902.

The capital of the canton of Vaud and the most Big City north shore of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is one of the most ancient human settlements in the region.

People lived here from time immemorial, and in 15 BC. e. The Romans erected a fortified settlement of Lusanna between the rivers Venozh and Podez. In the middle of the 4th century, the settlement "moved" higher into the hills, however, it quickly grew again, and the ruins of the Roman city can still be seen in the Vidi area. Now it is one of the most beautiful cities in the region, which has absorbed the cultural traditions of many peoples who have passed through these lands, and looks very picturesque framed by the waters of the lake and the Savoy Alps rising on the horizon, steep hills and the green vineyards of Lavaux. Most of The territory of Lausanne still abounds with greenery - in some places even tiny groves are preserved, although most of them have long turned into pretty parks. Particularly colorful is the tree-lined coastal promenade, over which the mansions of the old districts rise in terraces.

Sights of Lausanne

Lausanne is known for its majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Francis, or San Francois(1145-1275), towering over the old quarters with their original architecture and bridges over the rivers Flon and Luv (beyond last years almost completely removed into underground artificial watercourses). From the north side of the tower of the cathedral offers a unique view of the city and the lake.

The second famous temple of the city - Cathedral(www.grandesorgues.ch, XIII-XVII centuries, admission is free). It is deservedly considered the most beautiful Gothic complex in Switzerland, its stunning interiors deserve special attention, and from the southwestern bell tower (open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 11.30 and from 13.30 to 17.30, on Sundays from 14.00 to 17.30; entrance - 2 francs ) also offers a breathtaking panorama of the whole of Lausanne and most of the lake area.

Located in the very center old city paved square Place de la Palud- great place to watch everyday life Lausanne. Cascades of streets with fashionable shops run down to the square from all sides, many cafes and a beautiful La Justice fountain always surrounded by walkers, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays small markets open here. The arcade dominating the south side of the square town hall was built in 1675 on the site of a covered market of the XIV century. Just as colorful is the huge square. Place de la Riponne with Neo-Renaissance Ryumin's palace(XIX century). Now several collections are located here at once, the most interesting of which is traditionally considered Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts(www.beaux-arts.vd.ch) with an extensive collection of medieval and baroque works, as well as Swiss art of the 18th-20th centuries.

Definitely worth a visit Olympic Museum(www.olympic.org) with an extensive sports exposition (the headquarters of the IOC and offices of more than a dozen major international federations are located in Lausanne) and a beautiful park around. This is a modern exposition with a huge multimedia collection dedicated to the history and modernity of the Olympic movement and sports in general. There is even a computerized video library that allows you to select and view fragments of the main sporting events of past years, from the Olympic Games and World Cups to various types sports and ending with the championships of the NBA, NHL or the Wimbledon tournament. The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 18.00, from October to April it is closed on Mondays, entrance - 15 francs.

champs elysees(www.elysee.ch) is dedicated to the history of photography - from the earliest daguerreotypes to modern photojournalism. Moreover, its main collection is relatively small - but the range of ongoing exhibitions is simply huge. The exposition is open daily from 11.00 to 18.00, admission - 8 francs (on the first Saturday of the month admission is free). A unique Collection of non-professional art(Collection de l "Art Brut, www.artbrut.ch) on Avenue des Bergieres exhibits the work of ordinary people who do not have any art education, and even prisoners or the mentally ill. In addition to the permanent collection, the gallery regularly holds temporary exhibitions of non-professional artists from around peace.

On the outskirts of the Broc area, you can find chocolate factory Cailler with an excellent museum (www.cailler.ch). This company, founded in 1898, is the only manufacturer of Nestle's Cailler brand chocolate, named after one of the pioneers in creating this delicacy of the 19th century. Here you can take an organized tour of the factory with a small theatrical performance "about life, love and chocolate in a small Swiss city", to visit the tasting room with all the necessary procedures, as well as the shop with factory prices for the entire range of products presented. The museum is open from May to October on Mondays - from 13.30 to 16.00, from Thursday to Friday - from 9.00 to 11.00 and from 13.30 to 16.00, entrance - 4 francs.

Also interesting in Lausanne St. Mary's castles(currently seat of the cantonal government) and Beaulieu, fair center Palais de Villiers, Mon Repos park and the richest Cinematheque Switzerland. A large trading house enjoys constant attention of tourists Bel Air Metropol with a tower 67 meters high and wonderful "folklore" restaurants in the old part of the city.

Things to do in Lausanne

The clubs and cafes of Lausanne are considered the focus of Swiss "subcultures", which fits well into the city's long tradition of being considered the center of all kinds of intellectual and cultural innovations. For many decades, the local municipality has been subsidizing various festivals, live music concerts, supporting clubs, theaters, opera and dance groups of all shades, clearly competing in the scope of its cultural life with the capital of the country.

The old port of the Ouchy district and the beautiful lakeshore stretching for several kilometers are independent sights of Lausanne. From the coastal terrace and the promenade there is a beautiful view of the mountains rising along the horizon and their reflection in the water. Officially, Ouchy is a separate commune that is not part of Lausanne, and the area itself has long turned from a simple fishing port into one of the country's most luxurious lakeside resorts. The whole coastline here is a succession expensive mansions, upscale hotels and picturesque cafes, so popular with tourists and local bohemians. And from the pier, pleasure boats constantly leave for mini-cruises on the lake.