Summer in Lausanne is nothing short of magical. Perched elegantly on the slopes above Lake Geneva, this lakeside beauty is part alpine escape, part Riviera daydream.

It’s the kind of place where you can hop from a 12th-century cathedral to a wine cave in under 15 minutes. It’s smaller and more soulful than Geneva, with a creative energy that hums beneath its serene surface. There’s art, wine, history, and a perfect alpine lake where you can take a dip or rent a boat to explore. You can even hop on the ferry to venture across the lake to France.

Beau Rivage Palace pool — *Pool at Beau Rivage Palace*

Stay

Beau-Rivage Palace – The definition of grand. Michelin stars, marble baths, lake views so serene you’ll weep. Grace Kelly slept here and this is one of the hotels Coco Chanel lived in while in exile after WWII.

Lausanne Palace – Downtown opulence with a stunning spa.

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa- Another beautifully designed historic hotel in a gorgeous location.

*Room with a view at Beau-Rivage Palace*

Best Restaurants Laussane

Café de Grancy – Creative, cozy, and beloved by locals. Come for brunch, stay for the vibe.

Brasserie de Montbenon – Art deco interiors, regional wine list, and sweeping lake views.

Le Pointu – For natural wines, on-point playlists, and the feeling of being in a European indie film.

La Table du Lausanne Palace – One Michelin star set in a stunning hotel

Restaurant Le-Vieux-Laussane- One of th best locations in Laussane with food to match.

The Lacustre- Casual dining overlooking Lake Geneva.

Bar Côté Lac Lausanne- A super casual bar with charcuterie options on the edge of the lake.

**Don’t skip the Lavaux wines—the terraced vineyards just outside town are a UNESCO World Heritage. site. We had beautiful meals at Auberge de Rivaz and Le Deck.

The Lacustre Laussane — *Dining al fresco at The Lacustre*

Best Cafes in Laussane

Blackbird Downtown Diner – Aussie-inspired, oat milk everything, aesthetic overload.

Ça Passe Crème – Minimalist, cool, and serious about their espresso.

Sleepy Bear – Tiny, intimate, perfect flat white.

What to Do

• Old Town Strolls – Cobblestone everything, hidden fountains, 13th-century vibes. Lace-up something chic.

• Cathédrale de Lausanne – Climb the bell tower for those dramatic lake-meets-mountains shots.

• Collection de l’Art Brut – Outsider art in a palace. Haunting, moving, unforgettable.

• Olympic Museum – Surprisingly emotional. Also: that gift shop? Divine.

• Walk the Lavaux Trail – One of the most stunning wine areas in the world. Pair with a picnic and someone you adore.

• Lake Dips in Ouchy – Summer swims in Lake Geneva are a rite of passage. Bring a towel and some snacks or rent a paddle boat from one of the many retailers around the lake.

Best Stores

Septième Étage – Concept store meets capsule wardrobe dreams.

Globus – Elevated department store, Swiss-style. Think cashmere, wine, and perfect tableware.

Papeterie Avry – Because you will want a linen-bound journal and fountain pen here.

Other Things to Know

Best time to visit: May to October. June and September are magic.

Languages spoken: French (but with excellent English fallback).

Currency: Swiss Franc, so leave your Euros at home.

Public transport: The metro is cute, punctual, and fully functional.

Laussane is easily accessible from the train departing directly from the Geneva airport every 15 minutes. The ride lasts around an hour.
Almost all stores and attractions are closed on Sunday

Laussane Switzerland: A Travel Guide