Spending a little time in Lausanne before or after the conference? Here are our suggestions of things to do and see in Lausanne and nearby.
Visit the Olympic Museum
Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915, and is now the official Olympic Capital. Located on the lakeshore in Ouchy, the Olympic Museum hosts the largest collection of Olympic memorabilia in the world. Its restaurant has beautiful lake views and offers one of the best brunches in Lausanne, so if you plan to eat there when you visit, it’s best to book a table in advance.
Take a ferry out on the lake
The CGN runs ferries from the Ouchy port in Lausanne (last stop on the M2 metro line). You can take a ferry across the lake to Évian-Les-Bains (home of the mineral water). Note that Évian is in France, so if you are visiting Switzerland on a visa check the terms and make sure to take your passport as you will be crossing a border.
Alternatively, take a ferry along the lake shore to Montreux, home of the famous jazz festival. You can visit the statue of Freddie Mercury and soak up the atmosphere of the “Swiss Riviera”. Montreux is also a good starting point for rail trips up into the mountains, with Rochers-de-Naye a good option for excellent views.
Explore the Lavaux vineyards
The terraced vineyards to the east of Lausanne are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk or hike through the vineyards gives a beautiful view over the lake, and in warm weather you benefit from the “three suns” (the sun shining directly on the vines, the sun reflected up from the lake, and the sun reflected down from the terraces above).
Trains run from Lausanne to most of the towns along the lake shore, and those higher up. A nice option is to take the train to Chexbres, then walk down towards the lake to Rivaz and St Saphorin.
For a proper wine tasting, you can visit the Lavaux Vinorama, but a more DIY experience can be achieved by buying a bottle from a local cave and taking it out into the vineyards to try it. An insider tip – check out the self-service wine fridge at Domain Ruchonnet in Rivaz. This works on an honesty system, so just pick your wine and pay in cash or by card, then enjoy your bottle!
