Sunday 17 / November / 2024
The fairytale courtyards of old town, the sporty spirit of Olympic Museum, breathtaking lake side frolics, and boat rides to vineyards, beckon us to escape into a world full of postcard-worthy scenery, invigorating activities, and cozy allure.
Dotted with gothic architecture, towering basilica, lakeside promenade, tranquil mosaic landscape of quaint villages, this capital city of Switzerland, Lausanne is steeped in history tossed up with the flavor of modern richness.
Just over a seven-hour flight from Muscat to Zurich and then two and a half hour train ride through the picturesque landscapes from Zurich airport via the capital town Bern, this cosmopolitan French side of Switzerland is a must visit.
As the train bends along the breathtaking serpentine route through Montreux and charming Vevey with its lush vineyards on one side and Lake Geneva on the other, the journey throws the charismatic view of Chateau di Chillion transporting the passerby to a fantasy land from where one would detest to be withdrawn.
Ornamented by the shore of Lake Genève, the hilly hamlet of Lausanne with its traditionally pretty old town that seamlessly merges with the extravagant new town with a Roman touch but French dialect is culturally rich and vibrant.
An important crossroad of art and trade, the denizen embraced Lausanne, settling along one side of the valley making the hydraulic power produced mills a rich source of their survival while the other side of the Flon valley invited luxury shops and inns.
“Lausanne represents an exemplary version of evolution naturally, culturally, religiously and economically through several decades. An important junction for commerce, Lausanne should not come as a surprise when we relate it to Roman presence in the past,” a tourist guide, Helene Rappaz explains the what, why and how about this pretty capital of Vaud canton.
As the Roman port town Vidy (once the port on Lake Genève) is now left abandoned due to the receding water level of the lake, Musée Romain located in this tiny suburb still tells the tale of bygone Roman era.
This wedge of Switzerland has many different aspects to it.
It’s entwining steep cobbled route boastfully offers the historic old town – “La Cité” – standing tall witnessing the disappearing Flon and Louve rivers that sculpted the town showcasing what it appears today.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame in the middle of the old town where it merges with the extravagant new town.
The UNESCO heritage site at Lauvax welcomes many walkers seeking vitality through its authentic vineyards.
Also voted as the best small city in the world and is built on a human scale making it easy to walk and explore its myriad sights.
Museums, theatre and vibrant nightlife all harmoniously juxtaposes, portraying Lausanne as an iconic blueprint par excellence.
While each morning wakes up to a canvas sight to behold, the nights here are called upon by the night watchman from atop the cathedral spire.
Following the footsteps of 600 year old tradition, the night watchman trudges the 150 worn stoned steps of the sacred citadel, in his black coat and rimmed hat cups his hand around his mouth to announce the time to the city – “C’est le guet! Il a sonné dix! (It’s the night watchman. It is ten!) – and repeats and repeats facing all the four cardinal directions.
This fascinating call of time from the city’s sacred highest point at night is as inspiring as its daytime legend.
The Olympic Capital
The city is known as the Olympic Capital because of its iconic Olympic Museum spreads over an area of 3000 square meters and is home to over 1500 attractions, multiple exhibition venues, 150 screens and more that will trace the history of the most important sporting event of the world, the Olympics.
The Olympic Capital, Lausanne has been home to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for 100 years and in 1993, the IOC founded its unique official museum on the banks of Lake Geneva. In 2013, The Olympic Museum was completely renovated with the most up-to-date facilities. Now on three floors, the exhibition presents the origin of the games, the competitions and the athletic spirit through over 150 screens and 1500 objects: The Olympic torches and medals of all the Olympic Games, as well as the equipment of the most famous athletes.
Where to stay?
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne is where heritage meets hospitality and is a cornerstone of luxury hospitality.
The only five-star hotel in Lausanne in the heart of the city, where the address has stood for decades – with views of both Lake Geneva and the Alps – but a late-2015 reopening kick-started a new chapter in the property’s longstanding legacy.
Located between the lake and the mountain, the surrounding scenery offers a diverse vista of the city which can be enjoyed from its unique rooftop with a 360 degrees panoramic view over Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Alps.
The hotel has been sought after by some of the world’s most renowned figures in history such as the Spanish royal family, which made the hotel their home during exile, and a favourite home for Thailand’s King during his youth.
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa’s 196 elegant rooms and suites offer a unique experience with a variety of services suitable for all types of travellers from business visitors to family vacationers. One of the many leisure activities this hotel offers is the Golf Classic package, where guests will enjoy playing the 18-hole course at the exclusive Golf Club de Lausanne, paired with a relaxing one-night stay that includes brasserie dinner and an indulging treatment at the Royal Hotel Spa.
One of the most attractive experiences of the stay was the dinner at the hotel’s Sky Lounge. From the top floor of the hotel, people can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, the mountains, the city and the local vineyards - all against the backdrop of a dramatic Swiss sunset. The Hotel extends a variety of local and authentic cuisine options throughout its refined restaurants, reimagined into exquisite dishes by the property’s signature Chef, wrapped within a warm atmosphere.
But the best thing about this hotel is undoubtedly the spa — with guests entitled to unlimited complimentary access to the incredible facilities. At 1,500sqm, it’s the biggest of its kind in Lausanne.
The good thing about staying in Lausanne is that you don’t have to pay any extra to get there — tourists staying in Lausanne hotels travel for free across the city thanks to the Lausanne Transport Card. It’s valid throughout your stay and gives you access to free public transport across the city, plus discounts at shops, restaurants and museums.
Language
Though the region’s official language is French, people here also speak German, English and Italian.
Final Word
Whether it’s outdoor adventures, rejuvenating wellness, cultural discoveries, or culinary delights you seek, Lausanne - this idyllic destination promises it all to suit all travellers.
