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Lausanne - An Elegant Retreat
Lush. Elegant. Beautiful
Many more words could be used to describe this lovely city, but none of them would be able to capture the true essence of Lausanne’s picture-perfect beauty.
Generally, the mere mention of ‘Switzerland’ brings to mind the Alps, cheese and chocolates, clocks and watches... and perhaps the tale of Heidi dancing on the mountains. Lausanne is that and more. Its attractions encompass everything from arts and culture to breathtaking scenery and a rich historical background that provides the backdrop for everything within it.
 Lausanne - also known for being the Olympic Capital - is absolutely surrounded by beauty. Built on three hills with the Alps to the north and Lake Geneva (or Lac Leman in French) to the south, its clear mountain air and tranquil loveliness is simply beyond words. This Alpine lake is the largest lake in the country, and has a timeless beauty which simply takes your breath away.
If you want fun in the water, head for the beaches west of the Ouchy Marina, a former fishing village which is now a port resort. There, you can swim, sail or water ski and even enjoy the scenery cruising on the lake. The waterfront is also a great place to just relax with a book, stroll, cycle, or rollerblade- the last being a popular sport among the locals. Another interesting building is the medieval Ouchy Castle, which has been used as a hotel since the 19th century.
A Whiff Of Days Of Roman Conquest
Of course one should also see Lausanne’s old town, a beautifully quaint area in the heart of the city. It really is enough to just walk about and drink in its ancientness. Shades of its Roman past are obvious in its cobbled roads and buildings, most particularly Lausanne Cathedral which is considered the country’s finest Gothic building. Originally built in 1175, a restoration was begun in the 19th century but it has yet to be completed. Most of the cathedral’s trappings were stripped during the Reformation, including a once-famous statue of the Golden Virgin which was melted down to make coins. The other items originally from the cathedral are now preserved in Bern.
 Interestingly, one of the city’s ancient traditions is still followed today- that of the night watchmen who stood guard over the city walls keeping them safe from enemy attacks and fires. The cathedral watchman was most important, and to this day the hours between 10 pm and 2 am are still called out just as has been done for centuries. Tourists are allowed to climb up to the cathedral’s observation deck to catch a breathtaking view of the city and lake. Within walking distance from the cathedral is the St Marie Castle which now houses government offices. Although tourists are not allowed within, the sheer beauty of the castle and the view of the city that greets you at the end of your rather steep walk is a reward in itself.
The rest of the old town itself also has its own attractions. On Saturdays in particular, there is a Farmers’ Market where you can buy fresh produce and the fun doesn’t stop there as later in the evening you could head for one of its many clubs and experience some of the city’s lively night life. If music and theatre are what interest you, feel free to explore anything from classical music and opera to its world-famous Béjart Ballet.
Museums Galore...!
And of course, when in the Olympic Capital, a trip to the Olympic Museum is a must too. This amazing, unique structure houses over 10,000 permanent and temporary exhibits all relating to sports and the Olympics. Outside the building is a park where numerous works of sports-themed art is exhibited.
You should also visit the beautiful Palais de Rumine which houses several museums where you can learn everything about the city, from fine arts to history and even zoology. For a taste of more architectural splendour, head for the Town Hall in Place de Palud. The city also has a reputation for learning and education, with Lausanne University as well as hundreds of schools including the world renowned École Hotelière famous for training chefs and hotel staff.
Walk, Run.... Or Metro!
 One thing to bear in mind though, is that the city’s geography is such that walking can get a bit exhausting. With the Alps in the north as mentioned earlier, this means going in that direction is literally an upward climb. No real worries though as the metro is always an option. And whether you’re walking or taking things easy, the important thing is that you will definitely be having an enjoyable vacation.
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