Rue de Bourg

Where?

Rue de Bourg

Until the beginning of the 19th century, the Rue de Bourg, which is a pedestrian zone today, was one of the main thorough fares of old Lausanne. In those days the town only extended over three hills, those of Cité, Saint-Laurent and Bourg.

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Address

Rue de Bourg
1003 Lausanne

How to get there

La Cité

ArchitectureHistoryHeritageShopping

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.

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.

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.

The Lausanner recommends

Sébastien the adventurer

That’s another spot I’m particularly fond of as a photographer. A lover of architecture, the buildings of the Rue de Bourg remind me of Parisian architecture: it’s like being teleported for anything from a few minutes to a few hours.
Discover the Lausanners

More info

Being mainly occupied by patrician families, this street was an elegant and sophisticated meeting place. If you look up, you will see the town’s loveliest group of 17th- and 18th- century houses. Today this street is popular with keen shoppers.