Lausanne, the capital of the French-speaking canton of Vaud, sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, facing Évian-les-Bains in France. Recognized as the 'Olympic Capital' due to the presence of the International Olympic Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the city blends rich history with international prestige. As Switzerland's fourth-largest city, it offers a unique hillside topography and features the world's smallest rapid transit metro system with 28 stations. Located just 51.7 km from Geneva, Lausanne serves as a vibrant hub for both business travelers, given its role as the seat of the Federal Supreme Court, and leisure visitors exploring its wine regions and lakeside views.
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The Old Town (Vieille Ville) offers historic charm near the Cathedral and museums, ideal for culture seekers. The lakeside area provides modern accommodations with scenic views and easy access to transport. Staying in the city center allows convenient use of the metro system to reach various attractions efficiently.
Lausanne boasts a 28-station metro system, making it the smallest city globally with rapid transit. It is located approximately 51.7 kilometers from Geneva. Due to the hilly terrain, utilizing the efficient public transport network, including metros and funiculars, is recommended for navigating the city comfortably.
The city is accessible year-round. Summer offers lakeside leisure and outdoor activities, while proximity to the Alps makes winter skiing convenient. As the Olympic Capital, Lausanne hosts numerous sports events and international meetings, making it suitable for business travelers throughout the year.
Run by Franck Pelux and Sarah Benahmed, the Table of the lavish Lausanne Palace oozes refined elegance and bucket loads of intensity. A score in the zeitgeist, whose Gallic roots are nurtured by international techniques, BBQ cooking and expressive ingredient-led recipes starring top-drawer produce. Delicate, almost sensual sole meunière with a marinière-style celery pie; Breton blue lobster in a new take on couscous; crunchy farm-reared calf’s sweetbread finished on the BBQ with a medley of cabbage. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the business lunchtime menu is just the ticket and the view over L
WebsiteAfter nearly a year's refurbishment, French chef Anne-Sophie Pic's luxurious Lausanne establishment now welcomes diners in an elegant and modern leather-clad interior overlooking the lake. This exquisite new setting is a perfect match for the light, expressive and almost ethereal creations of chef Jordan Theurillat. Once past the entrance to the restaurant, there is a table-bar where excellent mocktails and a lineup of appetisers are prepared, drawing on produce from the garden in particular. Dishes such as the ‘venison chop marinated and smoked with juniper berry and imperator root, flanked b
WebsiteSet in the Esplanade de Montbenon park, opposite the courthouse, this Japanese restaurant will win you over with its peaceful setting and quality cuisine. In summer, the terrace boasts a breathtaking view of the lake. Comfortably perched on a high stool, you can savour a variety of authentic Japanese dishes, including delicate sushi, tasty teppanyaki, beef tartare with wasabi, and a refined take on soba noodles. This is a popular place, so booking your spot at the counter is strongly advised.
WebsiteThis restaurant, known simply as "Crissier" by its regulars, boasts a star-studded history. The success of the restaurant, which was first awarded three stars in the 1994 MICHELIN Guide, began with Frédy Girardet and was continued by Philippe Rochat, Benoît Violier … and now Franck Giovannini. At the head of an impressive kitchen team, the latter continues to roll out Gallic classics of exemplary clarity, rich in big-boned, yet balanced flavours. Lamb in herbs, strikingly fresh red mullet, Nantes duck in a gutsy gravy: the quality of the produce is as outstanding as the consummate cooking. Eac
WebsiteStuffed breast of guinea fowl, cabbage braised in butter and wild mushroom sauce; 65% Maracaibo chocolate fingers, poached pear and caramel crumble: the Burgundian chef and MOF Fabien Pairon definitely knows his stuff. He regularly and savvily renews his menus which favour fresh, local, premium produce. An example: Malakoffs d’or (fried cheese balls), salad and veggie pickles. Jennifer, the chef’s partner, graciously and wholeheartedly supervises the seamless front of house operations, and is largely responsible for the friendly, home-from-home vibe. Ticks all the boxes – and at eater-friendly
WebsiteIn the heart of pedestrian Lausanne, this demure eatery reveals an elegant, tastefully appointed upstairs dining room with an open kitchen, a buzzy vibe and slick, seamless service. The several course menu, mainly vegetarian or vegan, is entirely seasonal and locally sourced. Amusingly the establishment boasts a self-service wine cellar, most of whose contents is produced locally and according to biodynamic methods, from which diners make their own pick. The house also provides an alcohol-free beverage-food pairing option.
WebsiteA restaurant where superb flavours and a friendly atmosphere go hand in hand. Chef Theotim Bioret is strongly inspired by northern Italy, from Venice to Ventimiglia: Piedmont-style agnolotti del plin, sage and a parmesan jus; calf's liver saltimbocca, spinach and polenta. In addition to the à la carte menu, the chef serves a more affordable weekly dish. Meticulous plating, precise cooking and delicious sauces combine to create a faultless dining experience.
WebsiteNow located in the historic city, chef Jacques Allisson's establishment sports elegant rooms spread over two floors and a spacious alfresco area. The modern Gallic score is precise and expressive and flanked by seamless, spot-on service. Three 3- to 5-course menus and an à la carte lineup means that there is something for everyone, from wild mullet, leeks and beurre blanc, followed by venison, beetroot and spatzli, to an iced parfait and a crispy praliné to finish. Splendid wine cellar of French and Swiss vintages. Pleasure and technique go hand in hand in this renowned culinary landmark of La
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