The French-speaking holiday haven of Lausanne is a charming Swiss retreat that makes for a relaxed and scenic vacation spot. Nestled on the banks of Lake Geneva within close proximity of the country’s capital, this compact city’s geography ensures visitors can entertain themselves both in the mountains and on the water. Add to this the nearby wine-growing countryside and you have an unbeatable combination.

Lausanne has a good collection of fun outdoor activities and theme parks at which to keep children happy. Should you tire of swimming, ice skating or playing badminton, the city’s museums offer a more educational experience, with the Geological Museum being home to an impressive collection of minerals and the remains of a mammoth.

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.

Abundant attractions in Lausanne means there are dozens of sights not to be missed during your visit. The city’s museums alone are likely to take up a significant portion of your vacation, with the history of the region traced through art, architecture and geology. However, Lausanne has great outdoor attractions too and no holiday here is complete without a walking tour of the Old Town, a trip to Ouchy harbour and a cruise on Lake Geneva.

Geneva Cointrin International Airport is the most common gateway into Switzerland and is conveniently situated only a 45-minute drive from Lausanne. Other nearby air hubs includes the airports at Bern (1 hour) and Zurich (2 hours, 30 minutes). The airport is well known for being spread across two countries, France and Switzerland, with passport control separating the two sectors. New arrivals can exit on the Swiss side for access to Lausanne.

Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 08:30 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; 07:30 to 11:00; Saturdays
Shops: 09:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00, Saturdays; closed on Sundays