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Olympic Museum (1 Quai de Ouchy) – At the Olympic Museum, sports fans will see exhibitions about famous athletes, the history of the Olympic Games and the chance to get active by testing themselves against Olympic record-setting times. The museum’s restaurant overlooking the lake makes it a great place to linger over a meal, brunch is served Sundays. |
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Lakeside fun – |
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 In summer, Ouchy is a busy seaside destination. The pedestrian plaza at Place de la Navigation is a great spot for kids, who will love playing in the fountains on a warm summer day. People come to Ouchy to cycle or stroll along the shore, or hop aboard one of the lake steamers cruising Lake Geneva. There are sailboat rentals at Ouchy harbor. |
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For the nicest nearby beach, head right after exiting the Metro across Place de la Navigation, then enjoy a lovely walk along the lakeside to Bellerive, where there’s a wonderful outdoor swimming complex with a huge grassy lawn for sunning and lake access for swimming. |
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To rent pedal boats, head further west to the beachside campground at Vidy, where Pedalino rents watersports equipment in summer. Vidy is also a great place for a walk or picnic along the lake. |
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Cathedral Notre-Dame – Lausanne’s Gothic cathedral is the biggest in Switzerland and dominates the Old Town. Built in the 13th century, it features a huge pipe organ and is the site of frequent free concerts. Climb the tower’s 225 steps for the best view of the city and lake. |
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Picnics in the park – Lovely places to picnic in the city are Parc Mon Repos, which has bird aviaries and is easily accessed by Metro from the Ours stop, and Place de Milan, with a playground. |
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Bois de Sauvabelin – A favorite outing for families in Lausanne is the forest above the city, Bois de Sauvabelin. Here, children will be enchanted by the residents of the animal park: pigs, cows, goats and peacocks among them. The lake is home to ducks, geese and swans. Rent a boat for a ride around the lake, or have a picnic while the kids enjoy the playground. The park is accessible by car or bus. |
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If the weather isn't cooperating, head inside to the Vivarium, Europe's largest collection of venomous reptiles. Kids can get an up-close look at amphibians and invertebrates too; there are over 200 animals on display. |
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Lavaux Express – Lausanne is surrounded by steeply terraced vineyards, tended for centuries, and now designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Hop aboard the open-air Lavaux Express tram and get up close to the vines and enjoy the stunning views of the lake below and surrounding Alps from high up in the fields. The tours operate April to October from nearby Lutry. It’s also possible to drive to one of the hillside villages and hike around from there. |
