Top Rated Attracties in Lausanne

At first sight, Lausanne mesmerizes with its sheer beauty, a city of Gothic grandeur cascading down the hillside up to the shores of Lake Geneva. A closer look and the city reveals an upbeat ethos driven by a youthful populace. The city's legacy as a rich milieu for intellectuals like Rousseau, Voltaire and Lord Byron has given way to a vibrant local scene. The neighborhoods of Ouchy and Flon are especially enticing, the hotbeds of the city's urban, contemporary culture. Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1914 and the Olympic Museum is one of its most popular attractions. The Medieval old town is dominated by the Cathedrale de Lausanne, a sight of sheer majesty; its narrow streets are lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, while the city's rich and vibrant history is showcased at various museums. The fabulous art collections of the Beaulieu Castle, the Fondation de l'Hermitage and the Musée de l'Elysée are also meritorious. Backed by spell-binding vistas of the lake, and mountains clad in vineyards, Lausanne is enchanting to its very core.

Enter Le Romandie for an unusual yet exciting night out . This dark venue is reserved for all those for whom rock is a religion. Featuring artists from all over Europe, Romandie is a place where both established and upcoming talents take the stage. Le Romandie is also a hub for underground cinema as their associated Kinoplex regularly features films of this less popular genre.

One of Lausanne's most recognizable structures, Maison Mercier is truly an architectural marvel. Built during the latter years of the 17th Century, the Maison stands 11 stories tall, covering a surface area of 6000 square meters (64,583 square feet), making it a work of art that was way ahead of its time. Maison Mercier has been a versatile venue ever since its inception, housing numerous businesses, registry offices and religious institutions. The building is still functional even today and has been constantly renovated to ensure that it doesn't lose out on any of its imperial-era charms.

It is virtually impossible to visit Lausanne without seeing this church, at least from the outside. Located right at the heart of Lausanne, St-François Church was established before the Reformation. After the building burnt down in the 1368 fire, the church was renovated to include an interesting combination of modern and traditional concepts. The church has automatic doors and a part of this monument has been renovated. Several concerts are held in the renovated part of the building. Historical information, concert schedules and services are available inside the church. Guided tours are conducted in this church that acquaints the visitors with the history of this place.

The Births of the Full Moon (Les Naissances de la Pleine Lune) is a piece of artwork that was arranged by artists Yves Zbinden and Anne-Hélène Darbellay around a fountain near the church of St. Francis. The constellation of golden cobblestones showcases the name of all the children who were born in the city under a full moon during 1998. The real intent was to showcase and celebrate birth and life. Though the work of art can be easily overlooked under ones feet, it is really special for all those lucky children whose names feature as part of the artwork.

Although it may not not look like much, but Place Saint François is the hub of Lausanne. The hippest of cafés here is the Café Romand. You can also the grand Saint François Church. Many street entertainers perform here and students hang out. Every city has one place where everyone inevitably winds up passing through, and this is the one in Lausanne. You will walk through the square on your way to trendy rue de Bourg, Place de la Palud, Place Riponne and all its museums. Good place to be seen.