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Lausanne

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About Lausanne

Beautiful almost to the point of fairytale, Lausanne is a small city with a lot going on. It’s the regional capital, home to Switzerland’s highest court, the International Olympic Committee, two universities, a school of design and numerous multinationals. There’s also an extremely rich arts scene and an impressive and varied collection of museums and some seriously beautiful architecture. The gateway to ski runs, it sits right on the beautiful Lake Geneva. The best places to stay in Lausanne take advantage of the location and the rich life on offer.

And of course, you’ll want to explore the car-free medieval centre of town: Ville Marché for its wonderful markets, and the Cité on the hill, the impressive Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline of the Old Town, the castle and a collection of museums. The charming medieval rooftops and maze of old cobbled winding streets are a true joy to get lost in. The Olympics Museum is definitely worth a look and the Palais de Rumie is also worth visiting, it’s a beautiful building, and home to five museums. Make a trip to the Foundation de l’Hermitage for the views alone, and the Collection de l’Art Brut will amaze and possibly baffle.

If you’re looking for the hippest bars and restaurants in town try the Flon district; once just derelict warehouses, there’s now a lively arts scene, numerous galleries and theatre venues and plenty of restaurants and bars. Being in Switzerland, Lausanne is in the heartland of chocolate-making: don't miss the L'Espace Chocolat - where you can learn the art of making chocolate, and sample your own creations! Blossoming throughout Lausanne are exotic and colourful plants while east from Lausanne is the wine growing region of Lavaux and the Swiss Riviera. To the west, all the way to Geneva, is La Côte, a popular area for English expats. Be sure to book a cruise on the lake - from small motorboats to paddlewheel steamers - and drink in the enchanting scenery of the water mirroring the mountains.

What not to miss

  • Stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, past the galleries, chic boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
  • Book a cruise on the waters of Lake Geneva.
  • Learn the art of chocolate making at L'Espace Chocolat.
  • Visit the 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame.
  • Check out the Olympic Museum.
  • Immerse yourself in art at the Musee de l'Art Brut, a fascinating exhibition of art created by prisoners and psychiatric patients.

Lausanne is as picturesque as it is thrilling. Find out more by checking out our collection of the best places to stay in Lausanne!

The best places to stay in Lausanne

For luxury

  • The Beau Rivage Palace is a wonderfully grand hotel which is proud of its luxury and hospitality. Set within ten acres of private gardens, it has wonderful views over Geneva and the Alps. There are 161 rooms and suites, plus a fantastic choice of restaurants (including one with two Michelin stars) and an award-winning, spoiling spa.

For a lakeside chateau

  • Chateau d'Ouchy occupies a superb lakeside position and with this comes gorgeous views over the water to the alps. Rooms are classic contemporary in style, there's an outdoor pool, spa and a restaurant offering seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients.

For a Grand Dame in the centre of town

  • The Lausanne Palace will tick all the right boxes! A grand exterior houses luxurious bedrooms and suites, a pampering Spa (with specialist AVEDA hair spa), and Michelin starred dining. An opulent stay in the centre of town.

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

  • Fly to Geneva Airport, get a direct train to Lausanne, which takes 45 minutes.
  • If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
  • The best time to go is during the summer when the temperature ranges between 15 and 25 degrees.

Still not sure?

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Monthly Weather in Lausanne

Best Hotels in Lausanne

  • Lausanne Palace Lausanne 138 rooms from £258

    Romantic Break  -  An ideal getaway for two in the historic down of Lausanne, with fine dining, spa treatments and luxorious suites.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the incredible Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    Sailing  -  Lake Geneva is a great place for sailing, rent a boat or charter your own.
    Opulent
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    Full of opulence and heritage, Lausanne Palace is a sparkling five-star hotel. No expense is spared with its palatial rooms, state-of-the-art spa centre and four featured restaurants. A wondrous Swiss marvel. See More

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  • Royal Savoy, Lausanne Lausanne 196 rooms from £287

    City Style  -  A luxurious city hotel boasting a chic rooftop bar, high-end service, and fine dining
    Spa breaks  -  The spoiling spa boasts an extensive treatment list, a hammam, two pools, and a sauna
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the 12th century Lausanne cathedral
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and outdoor pools
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking

    A 5-star hotel set in an imposing 19th-century building. Spacious rooms are flooded with light from the large sash windows while the design mixes contemporary and traditional styles. The restaurant serves gourmet French dishes paired with an excellent wine list and the spa is a real highlight. See More

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  • Chateau d'Ouchy Lausanne (Place du Port) 50 rooms from £269

    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in style with an extensive list of massages, a sauna and a full service spa available to guests.
    Back to Nature  -  Well positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva and with priviledged views of the Alps.
    Sights nearby  -  The Lausanne Opera, the Vidy - Lausanne Theatre are both near the hotel.
    Swimming Pool  -  An outdoor pool for guests
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A historic 12th century castle, turned chic hotel on Lake Geneva. The elegant rooms exude understated luxury, and a certain tranquil charm. Large windows offer plenty of natural light, and views of the Alps. The spa, outdoor pool, gourmet restaurant and sleek bar complete the picture. See More

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  • Hotel Angleterre & Residence Lausanne 75 rooms from £305

    Families  -  Family friendly with special rates for children's rooms, babysitting services and a kids menu in the restaurant.
    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil spot to escape from it all, sat between the beautiful Lake Geneva and the mountains.
    Tennis  -  Make the most of the two outdoor courts at the nearby Beau-Rivage Palace.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool.
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A stunning lakeside property set in pretty gardens and boasting gorgeous views. The individually styled rooms boast sash windows, chintz fabrics and parquet flooring. Enjoy the spoiling wellness centre and fine-dining Italian restaurant, with lovely terrace. An indulgent escape. See More

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  • Beau Rivage Palace Lausanne 161 rooms from £344

    City Style  -  A traditional grand palace hotel on Lake Geneva, sitting in 10 acres of stunning grounds.
    Views  -  Fantastic views over the lake and the Alps.
    Spa breaks  -  Renowned and utterly spoiling spa
    Sailing  -  Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Superb hotel offering an oasis of grandeur, hospitality and unashamed luxury. Acres of private gardens and unrivalled views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. Award-winning spa, fantastic restaurants, tennis courts, and opulent rooms. See More

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