Charming public gardens, planted with exotic trees and shrubs and displaying bronze statues, lead you up to the museum. Once at the top, one can see the modern building is truly inspired by a Greek temple with its white marble façade. Two rows of white columns at the entrance carry the names of the towns that have hosted the Olympic games and the Olympic flame burns in an ornamental granite bowl illustrating the myth of Prometheus. The exhibition leads you through the history of the Olympic games, starting with Ancient Greece. There are beautifully preserved terracotta figures, gold laurel wreathes and marble sculptures to see. On display are all the torches that have been carried in every event since 1936 and a great collection of stamps, coins and medals bearing images of the Olympics. Huge video screens and stereo sound help the viewer to experience a part of the apprehension, excitement and concentration, the athlete encounters before an event.
Les Docks presents an extremely eclectic variety of music to primarily young audiences. It is the premier concert venue in Lausanne, hosting many of the well-known musicians that come through town. Its size ensures that concerts are not a huge arena affair, but a slightly more intimate experience.
Holding a place of pride in the heart of Lausanne's Old Town, this imposing Gothic cathedral soars over a sea of red-roofed buildings. Although the original master mason is undocumented, construction efforts can be traced back to the 12th Century. The structure was completed roughly a century later in 1275 under an engineer named Jean Cotereel. It was ordained by three important figures - Pope Gregory X, Rudolph of Habsburg, and Guillaume of Champvent, the then bishop of Lausanne. Its belfry a home to seven sonorant bells, the Lausanne Cathedral's other noteworthy features include an exceptional pipe organ and a stained glass window considered to be one of Europe's finest. Those in the city will also hear a town crier announcing the hours every night between 10p and 2a from the bell tower, as has been tradition since the Middle Ages. An architectural wonder par excellence, this historic cathedral comes alive with a repertoire of concerts and a bevy of cultural events.
Deep in the recesses of the Sauvabelin forest lies a modern, wood-built tower which affords a breathtaking view of the rolling Jura Mountains and glistening Lake Léman. Measuring 35 meters (115 feet), the distinctive tower takes its name from the surrounding forest. Although it serves a spectacular purpose, the structure itself is eye-catching, and its spiral staircase was inspired by the helical architecture found at the Chateau de Chambord in France. Fashioned out of Douglas firs sourced from local forests, this tower and its supporting institutions are greatly inclined towards sustainable development and environmental consciousness, and strive to radiate the same principles to visitors.
The Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts is one of the most prestigious fine art galleries in the city of Lausanne; the cultural hub of Switzerland. The Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts exhibits the works of some of the best artists in the country, be it amateurs or established ones. There are various exhibitions and artistic events taking place here on a regular basis. If you're an avid art lover, then you will not want to miss out on the chance to see a Van Gogh or Picasso.
This lovely small street runs through part of central Lausanne, with Rue de La Paix on the east and Place Saint-François on the west. One of the city’s premier high-end shopping locations, the street is bustling with cafes, shops, alleyways, charming buildings, and cobblestones. It’s a pleasure to walk through and a nice place to rub elbows with locals. Many stores on this street, which is one of the oldest in the city, sell goods from international luxury brands.
Walk down to the vault of the Château d'Echandens as an exciting schedule of events await you at the Caveau d'Echandens. The rustic and vintage setting create a surreal ambiance to enjoy some fascinating musical performances by popular artists of the region. The diverse music genres played here cater to the discerning audience, thus making a pleasant experience for all. For more information on upcoming events and venue bookings of this place, check the website.
Romainmotier Priory is a monastery founded by Romanus of Condat in the Canton of Vaud, explaining its namesake. Now an entry on the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance, it once stood as a priory for monks of the Cluniac order. The rich history of the Romainmotier Priory begins around 450, from there traveling through medieval times, a 14th-century financial crisis, the Protestant Reformation, and two restorations from 1899 to 1915 and 1992 to 2000. In the summer, spring, and autumn, hymn concerts are conducted at the Romainmotier Priory, making it not only a historically significant attraction but also a cultural one.
Lacs de Maclu are located in the French department of Jura, at Le Frosnois. There are two lakes in the glacial lake set, namely, the Grand Lac Maclu and Petit Lac Maclu. The Grand Lac Maclu lies in La Chaux-du-Dombief and La Frasnois municipalities and covers an area of 21 hectares (51.8 acres) with a maximum depth of 200 meters (656 feet). To its northeast is the Petit Lac Maclu covers an area of 5 hectares (12 acres) and has a maximum depth of 11 meters (36 feet). The clear blue waters offer a breathtaking view of the region. Lacs de Maclu are a popular tourist spot and have many picnic spots and hiking facilities.
Covering an area of 7 hectares (17.29 acres) in the commune of Frasnois is the Lac du Vernois or the Lake of Vernois. Formed by water from the nearby glaciers, the small water body is located in a secluded valley, and hence, it is protected from the sun during most of the year. A large coniferous forest near the lake also ensures that the lake freezes quickly and for a longer duration of time during winters. The private lake is great for cattle grazing in the warmer months and is also popular among local fishermen.
The Lac de Bellefontaine is situated in the département of Jura, in the Franche-Comte wetlands. The lake offers a beautiful view of the Roche Champion and the Bernard Roche peaks, and is blessed with a diversity of flora and fauna. It lies close to its twin Lac des Mortes, and together they offer some lovely hiking routes. Some of the attractions around the area are the Risoux Masstif and the Ski Resort in the town of Bellefontaine.
The Lac des Mortes is located in the département of Jura, in the Franche-Comte wetlands, near Chappele-des-Bois. The lake is offered a stunning view of the Bernard Roche and the Roche Champion peaks, and is blessed with an assortment of fauna and flora. It lies close to its twin Lac de Bellefontaine, and is popular for its hiking routes. Some of the attractions around the area are the Risoux Masstif and the Ski Resort in the town of Bellefontaine. The serene beauty of the lake makes this a popular tourist spot.