As we get to grips with the "new normal", traveling outside the city may not be for everyone just yet. But what if I told you that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy culture, history and make great memories? To make the best out of our summer, use this guide to get to know (or rediscover) the lovely lake-side city of Lausanne.
Get inspired at Platforme 10
With less than a year since its opening, Platforme 10 brings together some of the most iconic art museums around Lausanne. Built on the site of a former locomotive shed, it is home to the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts, the Musée de L'Elysée, and the Musée D'Art Contemporain. Still under construction, this once completed project will become a must-visit district for art and culture lovers. Within its door, you can already visit permanent exhibitions of The Musée Cantonal des Beaux Arts.
From July to August, weather permitting, Platforme 10 is hosting two different cultural events per week. Their workshops range from culinary classes to signing performances and concerts. All the activities are free but require a previous booking.
How do I get there?
Platforme 10 is located right next to the Lausanne Train Station. Place de la Gare 16, 1003 Lausanne
Get lost at the Bois de Sauvabelin
The Sauvabelin forest extends over more than 80 hectares and is located in the north of Lausanne. The forest constitutes a green lung for the Lausanne area, which is why youth and families enjoy visiting it. You can wander around the various wood paths, perfect for a nature walk, or some jogging. During summer, the Sauvabelin lake rents out rowing boats, and you can visit the small zoo. You can also venture up the 302 steps to Sauvabelin tower, a 35-meter-high structure with a 360-degree view of the Lausanne area. I would recommend climbing 15 - 20 minutes before its closing and admire the sunset view! End your day enjoying some traditional Swiss food at the Pinte de Sauvabelin, a cozy restaurant at the heart of the forest.
How do I get there?
You can take the metro until the Sallaz stop and follow the signs or take the bus 16 until the stop "Signal."
Train your oenology skills at the Lavaux vineyards terraces
Did you know that UNESCO has protected the Lavaux hillside terraces since 2007? Spreading across 800 hectares between Lausanne and Montreux, they are a must-visit during the summer season. The Lavaux promenade brings you by wine cellars that offer local wine degustation’s and makes you wonder inside small villages full of history. One of a kind, the Lavaux Vineyards are also known for their three suns as they benefit from direct, and both reflected sunlight from the terraced walls and the lake water.
You can discover more than 32kms by taking one of the many circuits across the terraced vineyards by train, bike, or walking. If you visit, don't miss out on looking for the Grand Tour of Switzerland photo stop and capture your visit!
How do I get there?
From Lausanne, you can take a train that will bring you to one of the stops where you can start your journey. I recommend taking a look at the different routes and tours, after choosing the one you like, learn more about how to get there depending on the circuit arranged.
Discover the gardens of the Château de Vuillierens
During Summer, the Chateau de Vuillerens opens their doors to their gardens. One of the most amazing gardens around Switzerland, featuring more than 80 sculptures, with one being the Bing Bang sculpture by Etienne Krahenbuhl. This sculpture, defying the laws of physics, is rung every day at 3 pm. The garden also features sculptures from Julian Voss-Andreae, recognized for his iconic pieces that disappear when you change your angle of view. Besides the statues, the garden also displays seasonal flowers within their 30 hectares of ground and across their different themed gardens. If you plan to visit the castle, don't forget to bring a picnic basket, as they have designated areas before the entrance to the gardens.
How do I get there?
From Lausanne, you can take the interregional train to Morges. From there, you can easily take the Bus n730 from the Morges railway station and Vuillerens village.
Les Jardins du Château de Vullierens, CH-1115 Vullierens / Switzerland.
Stroll through Lausanne city center on Saturday
Lausanne is a small yet lively town. On Saturdays, the old town comes to life hosting its recurring farmers market from 8 am to 2:30 pm. The air fills with scents of freshly picked flowers, Swiss cheese and the home-made juices; you will find yourself immersed in a gastronomic paradise. Hand-pick your favorite ingredients and head to Esplanade de Montbenon to enjoy your picnic with a view of the lake shores
If you happen to be at Plaud Square, make sure to pause and stand in awe of the mechanical clock showing Vaud's history in animated scenes. The show runs every hour from 9 am to 7 pm.
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Travel back in time at Palais de Rumine
Built-in 1904, Palais de Rumine is the home of one of the branches of the Lausanne library, as well as four different museums. Within its doors, you can find the museum of archeology and history, the numismatic museum, the geological museum, and the zoological museum. This latter being the home of the largest stuffed great white shark in the world of almost 6 meters. The Palais de Rumine used to have a fifth museum, the cantonal museum of fine art, that moved to the Platforme 10 as of October 2019.
You can also visit two of their exhibition from the comfort of your home. The museum created an immersive all-digital visit "COSMOS," where you can discover "Gardens of the World" and "The Stairway of Time."
How do I get there?
The palais de Rumine is located next to the Riponne Metro Stop.
Place de la Riponne 6,1005 Lausanne CH.
All image credit: Silvia-Cristina Vasquez
