Posted: June 29, 2018

Author: Béné Loeffel

48 hours in Lausanne Switzerland

Lausanne is the second largest city on Lake Geneva. The capital of the canton of Vaud is a lively university and congress town and the Olympic Capital.

Start your day with a city tour to discover the Gothic cathedral, town hall, castles, beautiful lakeside area and neighborhoods. Lausanne is a city of culture, green parks and charming picturesque streets, walking in the old town, don’t miss the traditional bi-weekly market (every Wednesday and Saturday from 8.00 AM to 2.30 PM) where you will find fresh products from local farms, butchers, cheese, baked goods and groceries, as well as plants and flowers.

Stop at the "Chocolatier Durig", an organic / fair-trade chocolate factory with 3 outposts in Lausanne. When you pass the door of the small store, located on a steep cobblestone street, the smell of chocolate is overwhelming. After a warm welcome, discover their selection of chocolate bars, truffles and chocolate specialities, as well as Marron Glacé and more exotic treats like nougat filled with almonds & ginger, and Pistachio & Cardamom. Have lunch at Café du Grutli, be sure to try the “papet vaudois”, cabbage sausage with potatoes and leeks, one of the regional Vaudoise specialties.

After lunch, explore the vast variety of shops within easy walking distance of the city center. Some of our favorites:

• Aegon & Aegon carries a unique collection of objects ranging from beautiful and affordable jewelry, candles, linens and household items

• The Liberty Shop - An art-inspired boutique bringing international fashion brands to central Lausanne.

• Monsieur Alain - Elegant menswear boutique

• Collection 66 - Swiss Brand with a contemporary approach to fashion and a hint of retro chic,

• Freitag - the Swiss cult brand that creates bags and wallets from upcycled (used) truck tarpaulins

• Nano+ - Brightly adorned contemporary gift boutique, on the old cobblestoned streets of La Cité.

• Viva Frida - Inspired by Frida Kahlo, retro and floral print dresses alongside sleek and sophisticated Nordic lines.  

• Chic Cham - Vintage classics and new furniture, as well as cushions, carpets, curtains and furniture from their own collection.

• N°28 - Beautifully curated collection of jewelry and accessories

In the late afternoon, stop by "Ta Cave", a small wine bar located just below the Gare, perfect for an aperitif of local wine, meat and cheese. For those in the know, you can dine in the secret private dining room.

On Sunday, stroll up to the heights of Lausanne to discover the Sauvabelin tower. From its 35 meters high, you will have a magnificent panoramic view of Lausanne. Going down, stop at the Brasserie de Montbenon to enjoy a delicious meal. This unique restaurant, housed in the former grand casino, serves updated brasserie fare with a focus on local ingredients and the region’s artisanal beer.

In the afternoon, visit the Olympic Museum, renovated extensively in 2013. Offering a different experience from other museums with their Interactive exhibits and multimedia museography.

All ages can discover new things, and reminisce about past Olympic Games through their vast collection of photos, vintage equipment, medals, and posters. Time flies; it's already the end of the afternoon, and it's time to leave.