Two thousand years ago, Lausanne settled on the waterfront. Today, its well-preserved green shores are still delightfully attractive. Whether developed or wild, the lakeside puts on a show of the town’s best offerings: sports, nature, history and leisure. From St-Sulpice to Lutry, a footpath hugs the coastline almost without interruption. On a small pebble beach or on the busy Ouchy quays, Lake Geneva makes Lausanne a home port.
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Home to fishing boats and pleasure craft. Nearby, simple cottages alternate with splendid vacation homes.
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Discover the Dorigny countryside.
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Roman settlement dating back to around 15 B.C. on a site occupied since the Mesolithic era. Its population of 2’000 began to vacate the site in the 4th century when migrating to the Cité (old town).
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The lake boats are brought into this dock for maintenance. The gravel and sand, unloaded from the barges and used for building, are dredged from the zone where the Rhône enters the lake.
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Built in 1901, the lakeside walk links the old port (1793) and the Haldimand Tower (1823), previously located on an island - an oddity it shared with the Château d’Ouchy (12th century).
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A striking monument facing Lake Geneva and the Alps, this fountain indicates the presence of the Olympic Museum, invisible from the lakeside. Tourists enjoy having their picture taken, eyes aglow with the beauty of the view.
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At the end of these promenades, one finds the Tour Haldimand. This structure, built in about 1825, was the result of a whimsical competition between three notables of the period, one of whom was William Haldimand, then owner of the Denantou estate. The goal of the competition was to build the most beautiful ruined medieval tower. This structure, which then stood almost in the water, won the first prize.
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The Flon revitalized the Vuachère by partially discharging its water into it. The river is bordered by a nature reserve.
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Pully, all aboard! At the marina, old freshwater sailors rub shoulders with young racers and famous yachtsmen. If you’d rather stay on firm ground, you can enjoy a ride on the miniature train.
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In Lutry, the medieval village was the first stage on the route to the Alps. Its old rooftops contemplate the lake serenely. From the beach – a hugely popular spot in the summer – you’ll enjoy a beautiful view on the Alps.
