Known primarily for its sporting events, the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee is host to some major European sporting competitions throughout the year. Other notable events include the City Festival in July and the Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival. Fans of the famous composer should not miss the concerts held throughout the Bach Festival in autumn.

Prix de Lausanne: 28 January to 03 February sees Lausanne become host to this popular international dance competition. The young candidates, between 15 and 18 years old, battle it out for the prize-winning titles.

Cully Jazz Festival: held for nine days in late March, this lively jazz festival held in the district of Cully showcases international jazz stars. Local artists also feature at this event, with concerts held throughout the city.

Planete 2 Roues: car lovers will not want to miss this sleek parade of expensive and vintage wheels, while bikers can oogle over the toy of their dreams. You may not be able to afford what you see here, but you can at least have your photo taken with one for a laugh.

Carnaval de Lausanne: from the 20 to 22 April, Lausanne comes alive with carnival spirit. For two days, stalls and rides are set up and plays and performances are hosted, all to the delight of residents and visitors.

Athletissima: held on the 10 July, this athletic competition features men and women competing in various sports such as hurdles, long jump, pole vault, high jump and javelin. If you want to see world records being set, get tickets in advance.

City Festival (Festival de la Cité): spanning 10 days and nights, Lausanne’s Old Town becomes a giant open-air theatre showcasing exceptional dramatic and musical performances.

Satellite FIVB Beach Volley: 10 to 13 August sees beach volleyball professionals battle it out in Lausanne for prize money. Men and women compete separately in final matches organised by the International Federation of Volleyball.

Equissima: held on 22, 23 and 24 August, this prestigious equestrian competition has various categories including show jumping and horse-drawn carriage displays. Anyone with a love of horses will enjoy this event.

Grand-prix du Beau-Rivage Palace: held from the 23 to 25 September, this event sees top international sailors navigate high-speed catamarans in one of the most exciting sailing regattas of the year.

Lausanne Marathon: one of the most scenic marathon routes in Europe is run by thousands of participants each year, who are cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. Following Lake Geneva and passing through the area’s sloping green hills, everyone is welcome.

Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival: features music and films that are of the underground genre. Promoting independent cinema, attendees are offered the chance to see experimental films with an artistic flavour. Night-time celebrations of music follow the day’s screenings.

Lausanne Bach Festival: held 03 to 14 November, the famous German composer is celebrated with a festival and competition. Concerts are held throughout this period featuring music by Bach and his contemporaries. International and Swiss contestants perform works by Bach in the finals.

Christmas: along with the rest of Europe, the Swiss celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm, present-giving, bell-ringing and Midnight Mass. Residents look forward to gorging on donuts and drinking hot chocolate, while they also take pleasure in decorating their homes festively.