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Lake Geneva
Canton of Vaud: Home of the Lake
Geneva Region
The Canton of Vaud is the home of the Lake Geneva
(Lac Léman) region, which combines exceptional
natural beauty, a long history, dynamic cultural
activities, unlimited sports options from downhill skiing
to water sports, elegant spas, more than 200 historical
monuments, and much more.
Lausanne: capital of culture and business
Lausanne, the capital of the canton and the second
largest city on Lake Geneva, is a thriving business
centre as well as a popular holiday resort. It is built on
three hills and surrounded by vineyard covered slopes,
with Lake Geneva at its feet and the Savoy Alps on the
French shore of the lake in the distance. Lausanne’s
attractive medieval city centre is largely car free and
its narrow streets are lined with cafés and boutiques.
For an unforgettable view of Lausanne from the water,
visitors can take cruises on the lake.
Lausanne’s Old Town is dominated by Lausanne
Cathedral, ranked Switzerland’s most impressive
example of early Gothic architecture. Shopping streets
surround the cathedral and are found throughout
the pretty waterfront area of Ouchy. A tourism centre
for generations, Lausanne is the home of some of the
world’s finest hotels, including the Beau-Rivage Palace
in Ouchy. Lausanne is also a very popular choice for MICE
(meetings, incentives, conventions and events) tourism.
The city’s cultural activities are known worldwide.
Lausanne is the base of the Béjart Ballet and hosts the
Prix de Lausanne international ballet competition, the
Lausanne Jazz Festival, and many other cultural events
year round. The Musée de l’Art Brut showcases a unique
collection while the Fondation de l’Hermitage presents
high-quality art shows all year.
Home of the International Olympic Committee,
Lausanne is a mecca for sports enthusiasts. The annual
Lausanne Marathon, the Tour de Romandie pro cycling
event, and the Athletissima track and field event draw
athletes from all over the world, while the Olympic
Museum provides an overview of the history of the
Olympic Games. Visitors will find facilities for all kinds
of sports throughout the city.
Attractions beyond Lausanne
The Canton of Vaud has a wealth of tourism attractions
beyond Lausanne. The two little towns of Avenches
and Payerne are excellent choices as a base for walking
and cycling tours of local nature reserves, and there
are many vineyards open to visitors as well. Avenches,
formerly Aventicum, the capital of Roman Helvetia,
boasts a unique heritage from Roman times.
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