La Cité

Where?
Cathédrale de Lausanne
This is a quarter full of typical small bistros and craft shops. To the north of the Cité hill, at Place du Tunnel, avenue César-Roux avenue and Place de l’Ours, shops and quirky bistros cry out to be discovered. It is around the Cité hill, sculpted by the Flon and Louve rivers, that the mediaeval town grew. Its cobble-stoned pedestrian streets as well as its monuments, the Cathedral of Lausanne, the St-Maire Castle and the Old academy, bear witness to that.

Useful information

Address

Cathédrale de Lausanne
Place de la Cathédrale
1005 Lausanne

How to get there

Lausanne Cathedral

Heritage
At the heart of the old town, the majestic Lausanne Cathedral overlooks the city. Seen as one of the most beautiful gothic art monuments in Europe, it attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year.
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Palud square

HeritageShopping
In the centre of the square is the town’s oldest fountain, adorned with a statue representing justice. Close by, a clock presents the history of Vaud in animated scenes every hour from 9:00 to 19:00. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings this is the site of the country market, which also sets up shop in the neighbouring pedestrian streets. Every first Friday of the month, it plays host to a craft market. Typical cafes, boutiques and large, elegant shops complement what this high-class district, which is completely pedestrianised, has to offer.
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Clarence, the sporty spice
The Lausanner recommends
Clarence the sporty spice
I love it so much, but I pick a time when nobody will be there, usually in the evening and it makes me feel part of the city, like a queen running in her city where it is all mine since everyone else is at home. The challenge of running on cobbled streets and up and down the ancient steps makes this route a great parcour!
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Alexandre, the souvenir maker
The Lausanner recommends
Alexandre the souvenir maker
Walking in these charming narrow streets where historical monuments rub shoulders with typical bars plunges me into a different time. I find the streets so photogenic and the atmosphere they convey simply incredible! I suggest you roam all the streets and end on the Esplanade of the St-Maire Castle, from where the view is stunning.
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Michaël, the urban spirit
The Lausanner recommends
Michaël the urban spirit
Majestically overlooking the urban landscape, Lausanne Cathedral is one of the town’s architectural and historical jewels. Climb to the top of its belfry to have a fantastic panoramic view over the city. Don’t hesitate to stroll in the lanes of the Cité (the historic district) to discover its hidden treasures.

More info

Around the cathedral, an array of wonderful gems and little stalls nestled in magnificent historic buildings form a medieval ensemble that will delight those who like to shop in quiet, cultured surroundings.

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