Swiss Bliss: 5 Days in Lausanne

Discover the charm of lakeside Lausanne.

17 June 2023

Lausanne, Switzerland is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It's known for being home to the International Olympic Committee and numerous museums, as well as an abundance of stunning architecture. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views, delicious Swiss cuisine, and explore the city's rich history and culture.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive in Lausanne

  • Check into your cozy room at Hotel Carlton Lausanne, with its stunning views of Lake Geneva.
  • Wander through the old town, stopping by the Gothic cathedral and quaint boutiques.
  • Take a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool, Piscine de Bellerive, and soak in the Swiss sun.
  • Satisfy your hunger and thirst at Brasserie de Montbenon, with its scrumptious cuisine and locally brewed beers.
  • End the evening with a walk by the lake, taking in the idyllic scenery and the sunset.
Day 2

Wine and Dine

  • Hop on a train to the nearby Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sample some of the world's best wines.
  • Make your way to the charming village of Saint-Saphorin for lunch, at the historic Café du Raisin.
  • Indulge in the homemade chocolate and pastry at Blondel a local favorite.
  • Head back to Lausanne for dinner at Le Deck, the stylish rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
  • Complete the night with a stroll along the promenade de la Sauvabelin to see the illuminated Lausanne skyline
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Start the day by heading to the world-renowned Olympic Museum for its interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the stunning view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
  • Take a 10-minute bus ride to the Hermitage Foundation Museum, with its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and sculptures including works by Monet, van Gogh, and Degas.
  • Enjoy a casual lunch at Mövenpick Restaurant at the museum.
  • Spend the afternoon at the poetic Elysée Museum, for its photography exhibitions.
  • Have dinner at the sophisticated Le Pont de Brent, with its Michelin-starred cuisine.
Day 4

Adventure Time

  • Start the day off with a challenging hike up to Le Signal de Sauvabelin, admiring the views from the top of the tower.
  • Get back down to the lake to rent a paddleboat or kayak and soak in the scenery to Quai d'Ouchy.
  • Have lunch at Café de l'Auberge, trying the famous Malakoff cheese fritters.
  • Check out the medieval chateau of Grandson to learn more about its history.
  • Finally, end the day with a concert or show at the 2M2C convention center.
Day 5

Market and Sanctuary

  • Head to Place de la Riponne for Lausanne's bustling market, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Pick up some Swiss chocolate, cheese, and souvenirs.
  • Catch the ferry across the lake to the serene village of Saint-Gingolph, known for its beautiful Sanctuary of Notre Dame de la Compassion a site of pilgrimage.
  • Finish lunch with some minestrone soup and a rustic tart at the peaceful Café de la Paix.
  • Take a final stroll along the lake, soaking in the peaceful Swiss scenery.
  • Prepare to say goodbye to Lausanne, but leave a part of your heart behind.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lausanne by plane is to fly to Geneva Airport and take a train to Lausanne. The train from Geneva Airport to Lausanne takes approximately 45 minutes.

Car

If you are driving to Lausanne, take the A1 motorway towards Lausanne. It is recommended to use a GPS or map to navigate the streets of the city, as parking can be difficult in the city center.

Train

If you are already in Switzerland, the best way to get to Lausanne by train is to take a Swiss Federal Railways train, which operates throughout Switzerland. Lausanne is a major train hub and can be reached by direct train from cities such as Geneva, Bern, and Zurich.

Boat

Although Lausanne is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, there are no regular boat services from other cities on the lake. However, boat tours of Lake Geneva are a popular attraction in the area and can be booked locally.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major European cities and Lausanne. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular options. It is best to check timetables and prices online ahead of time and book in advance to ensure availability.

Destination

Lausanne

Nestled between the mountains and the lake, Lausanne is the perfect place to practice your uphill hiking skills and your downhill fondue eating skills. You might just end up rolling down the hill instead of walking down.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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