Lausanne, Switzerland

We're going to Lausanne next week for a few days and I'm really excited! Switzerland has always been on my list of places to go. I looked a bit online and have an idea what to expect, but I just thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone else has been and if there are any recommendations. We're staying in the city centre and we're not renting a car.

Thanks!

I'll ask my Swiss friend, she is from Lausanne so should be a good source of info

Cool, thanks!

Hi,

I will also be going to Lausanne in a few weeks.  Does anyone know if there is a direct train from Geneva Airport to Lausanne? 

Thanks,
Stefanie

According to my DH, there are numerous trains that run a few times an hour and takes about 40 minutes. You can go from Geneva airport or central Geneva. 

Thank you!

A note of warning - Swiss trains run on time, if departure is 10:02 it will leave at 10:02. 

Below is the response from my friend.  I hope this helps a bit, she said she is very jealous as she would love to be going as well.


Some ideas for lunch time meals which are not too expensive and give choice: eating in the restaurant of La Placette, Le Centre, both big shops in town centre. Some have a terrace. Manora is on the Place St Francois, in the middle of town, no terrace. La Migros is another big shop with restaurant. They are popular at lunch times with the locals too.
For nice ice cream, Movenpick hotel, in Ouchy, by the lake.
 
For a good view (Lac de Sauvablin and its wooden tower offering 360 degree view, and some unusual walks, discoveries: http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?docId=23940&domId=63838&language=E   
 
For some very fine dining: http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/view.asp?docId=30664&language=E  ideas of very nice restaurant. Have never been myself in any of them, sorry.
 
 
Visit the Olympic museum in Ouchy, walk along the lake side, take one of the big boats to visit other towns or just see the Swiss Riviera from the lake, or pop over to France (take passports)
Visit la cité, that is the old town of Lausanne, around the cathedral. Need easy walking shoes as there are some cobbled streets still about.
 
Transport is easy with le metro and buses (not especially cheap although with a day ticket, worth it: clean and reliable). In the evening, there is in Flon, the Tunnel, the area around Grand-Pont and Marterey, there is a lot of night life going around there with clubs and cafe and bars with all sorts of music. This is quite recent and new.
 
There are some nice museums and galleries, just in case the weather is not too good but not knowing what they are interested in, difficult to advise.
For sports, there are lots to do: rollerblading along the lake shores, swimming in the open air swimming pools and/or lake, (my favourite sport: sunbathing!) walking around as it goes up and down, jogging, pedalos, hiring a boat (sail or motor), cycling, shopping!?!.
 
There are a number of good websites with nice picture (makes me a bit homesick).
 
Not sure I helped.
Wishing them a great time!

Sorry, just saw this as we were away! Thanks so much for the information! We've printed it off and will be taking it along!

Katydid, please tell your friend we had a lovely time! The Olympic Museum was DH's favorite part! Mine was looking at the Alps. I couldn't get enough of it! And, for anyone who is thinking about visiting, your hotel should give you a pass for free use of the public transportation while you're there. That was helpful because it is REALLY hilly! Riding the Metro felt like you were on a ski slope!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip, I will pass the message to my friend.  I went to high school at the other end of the lake near Geneva in a small village called Versoix.  Never got to Lausanne but I absoultly love Switzerland.

Cool! Yes, I've told DH that I'm anxious to go back.