Lausanne is easily reached by train, just like any destination in Switzerland. From Geneva, it takes barely about 45 minutes on the rails, skirting the awe-inspiring Lake Léman, to arrive in a charming city that blends medieval aesthetics, university life, and a strong sporting spirit.
In fact, to explore Lausanne the best approach is to divide the visit into three parts: first, the Gothic past of the city that still dominates its historic center. Then, its presence as the Olympic Capital, perched on the shore of a lake that continues to exude Belle Époque style. In between, it’s wise to leave room to discover a bit of its vibrant cultural scene.
Lausanne, Gothic Switzerland
During the Roman Empire, Lousonna functioned as a strategic commercial port located at the foot of the lake. After its fall, life began to flourish on the nearby La Cité hill, where a fortified medieval city would be born. Today Lausanne still looks out over the world from above, from three hills perfectly connected.
It goes without saying that this is a city of slopes. Precisely to cover a rise of 338 meters, since 2008, its modern metro line M2 climbs and descends like a caterpillar, driverless, connecting the city’s lowest part, Ouchy, with key tourist spots such as the historic center, the vibrant Flon district, or the main train station.
The most emblematic building in Lausanne is unmistakable. The tower of the imposing Notre-Dame Cathedral stands out across the old town. Its construction began around 1170, during the episcopate of Landry de Durnes, who ordered a religious edifice worthy of a medieval city that came to concentrate great religious power. In fact, the medieval La Cité was an important pilgrimage site and forms part of the Camino de Santiago.
The most important Gothic building in Switzerland stands out especially for its great rose window, for the colored-painted south portal, and for the grand organ housed inside. Yet, in addition, its exterior beauty and harmony compete for prominence with the views it offers from its bell tower, 67 meters high.
