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Lausanne is the capital city of the canton de Vaud in French speaking Switzerland. Lausanne is a prime location for anyone wanting to visit the lake Geneva area, with cosmopolitan Geneva only 40 minutes to the west and world famous Montreux and Vevey 20 minutes to the east. Lausanne has been inhabited since the Stone Age (it was the ancient Roman town of Lousanna). In 1803 the canton of Vaud, of which Lausanne is the capital, became the 19th to join the Swiss Confederation.

Lausanne Tourist office is situated in the main train station in Lausanne and in the metro station in the suburb Ouchy. Both offer the same services and these include free city maps and guides, excursion bookings, bus information and cards, museum passports and information, boat trips, history lists and cultural activities for each month.

Lausanne's cathedral is the biggest, most beautiful gothic building in Switzerland. Though inaugurated in 1275, the north tower is still missing! During the day one can climb to the top of the tower for a superb view of Lausanne city. From 10pm-2am, the town crier shouts out the hour from the four sides of the tower as has been the tradition since the Middle Ages; the last to do so in Europe. Lausanne Cathedral often hosts classical concerts.

Lausanne, with its centuries-old history as a crossroads and meeting place, is a modern city where young people, keep-fit enthusiasts and families find open air leisure and fun. Its hilltop site and delightful surrounding region make Lausanne ideal for all outdoor pursuits, both in the city itself, and in the nearby countryside or on the lake. From cycling, roller-skating or horse riding, to swimming, sailboarding or walking, and from cross-country skiing to ice sports or tobogganing, Lausanne offers something for everyone in every season. Lausanne is also considered one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Lausanne is a colorful medieval town with small alleys and boutiques, cafés and restaurants. One can have an easy and relaxed stroll in the vineyards or attend to the other nearest tourist excursions, which are equally attractive for the tourists in Lausanne. The cultural hue of Lausanne is also evident in the extensive and numerous festivals celebrated here in the city.

Lausanne is also a city of culture. With Geneva it shares the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and also occasionally hosts the legendary ballet company of Maurice Béjart. Most performances of major cultural impact take place at the Théâtre-Municipal Lausanne, avenue du Theatre Beaulieu, at 10, av. des Bergières is also a venue for dance concerts, operas, and orchestral music presentations. Tickets can be purchased at Billetel, which has various locations over Lausanne.

One of the more unusual art galleries in Lausanne is the Musée de l’Art Brut, founded in 1976 by French artist Jean Dubuffet. The gallery showcases the works of society’s outcasts, many of whom were committed to mental institutions at the time the works were produced. An intriguing biography (in English) of each artist is also on display.

Lausanne is without doubt a walking city. Yes, Lausanne is hilly and can be a bit of a workout going from place to place, but on foot is the only real way to get to know this city of 125,000 people. There is a practical reason for this as many of the sites are located in pedestrian-only areas. In fact, most of Lausanne's downtown is closed to traffic.