Things that make Lausanne the best small city

The picturesque capital of Vaud was recently named “Best Small Town in the World” in the Monocle Magazine Small Town Index, which ranked and ranked the top 25 small towns with a population of less than 200 thousand. Topped the Lausanne Lausanne graph of the network of public transport, global outlook, population diversity, natural environment, and other factors.

Lausanne, located in the French region of Switzerland, is vibrant and combines urban life with easy access to roads and scenic sites across the region. Lausanne’s dynamism, cultural and sporting heritage, culinary wealth and high-quality hotel infrastructure attract visitors from all over the world and make way for the perfect city break. Here are 8 things that make Lausanne a great little city.

Discover the old town of Lausanne on foot

The old town of Lausanne is filled with picture-perfect streets and colorful buildings. Exploring the streets of Lausanne can be good exercise. Start at the top at a medieval site in the pedestrianized old town and work your way up the hill that extends to the main train station where there are many bridges, lifts, and escalators to help you make your way up and down the hills. 

Unique finds in the old town

Lausanne has a lot to offer from local goods to international luxury. The Place de la Palud dates back to the 9th century and is the main square in the old city of Lausanne, centered on the main center of the Fountain of Justice, the oldest fountain in Lausanne. A traditional farmers’ market takes place in the Old Town every Wednesday and Saturday mornings where you can find everything from souvenirs and unique finds to delicacies. 

There’s also a great mix of high-end brands and vintage stores. The standalone boutiques are on Rue Martery which is a great place for unique finds and a different kind of shopping experience. 

Discover funky art at the Collection de l’Art Brut

Art Brut refers to non-traditional art forms in Lausanne. Some of the world’s most unusual collections can be seen at Collection de L’Art Brut. This includes the works of Jean Dubuffet himself, mixed with art collections of all kinds. The collection includes more than 70000 items from 1000 artists, making this museum in Lausanne the world’s best collection of Art Brut. 

Visitors can spend hours on all four floors of the museum’s permanent collection which includes paintings by people of determination and inmates, artwork, various paintings, sculptures, and masks. The temporary exhibitions change and follow different themes interpreting the art and exploring the creative process. 

Website: https://www.artbrut.ch/en_GB

Eat at a 200 year old restaurant

The oldest restaurant in Lausanne is also one of the most popular. Pinte Besson was opened in the year 1780 and has since been serving traditional Swiss dishes. The restaurant is famous for serving the best fondue in Lausanne – a rich mix of Gruyere and Vacherin served with potatoes and bread. Pinte Besson also offers great local drink and seasonal dishes at the best prices. Website: https://pinte-besson.com/fr/

Going up the Tour de Sauvabelin Stairs

The Tour de Sauvabelin is a unique viewing tower at the highest point in the Sauvabelin Forest. The Tour de Sauvabelin is constructed entirely of wood from forests outside of town and consists of spruce and pine. The tower originated in 2003 and features a double spiral staircase. Visitors take the stairs consisting of 151 steps to the watchtower, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Geneva, the French Alps, and Lausanne.  Website: http://www.tour-de-sauvabelin-lausanne.ch/

Sail on Lake Geneva and discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Take a boat to Vevey or Montreux for a great day trip or rent a private boat to take you around Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva cruise lines offer group and private tours of Lake Geneva. The public navigation company (GCN) operates boats that transport travelers from Lausanne to the Château de Chillon, Montreux, Vevey, Nyon, and Morges where it is a great way to enjoy the stunning lake and you can also see the vineyards, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Website: https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/explore/cruise-on-lake-geneva-cgn/

Visiting the “world-famous” Olympic Museum

The museum contains more than just artifacts and ordinary exhibits. The rich collection contains pieces spanning from the ancient period to the present day, and the story tells of how the modern Olympic Games were born and continue to advance. Visitors will learn the change in sports technology and the inspiration behind the Olympic movement and can challenge their friends to races on the 100 meters track. Website: https://www.olympic.org/museum

Exploring the nightlife of Lausanne

The Flon region was once a natural valley running through the Flon River and is now one of the distinctive spots for nightlife in Lausanne. The old warehouse district is now filled with trendy clubs, cool stores, and modern restaurants.