« For me, Lausanne is… the city of paradoxes. It goes up and down. It delights families with its swimming pools and activities … and singles in search of friendships and maybe more. It’s restful, with its museums and cosy cafés, and electrical with its nightlife to hit the dancefloor until morning. It’s packed with mystery and yet reveals itself as it is, without artifice. It’s natural, with its large parks full of trees, and urban, with its lively and trendy epicentre. »
On the lakeside in Vidy, let yourself be enticed by the aromas of barbecues, the sound of berimbau, the spontaneous party for a newborn, the runners, bystanders and Sunday pétanque players. Just settle comfortably on a bench or on the water’s edge and watch the goings-on around you. It’s the peaceful mix and intermingling of cultures that are Lausanners.
Perched atop the CGN building in Ouchy, The Lacustre is an essential stop. Feast your eyes on the lake view while enjoying your pizza (my favourite is the Scamorza) and sipping ginger ale. What more could you want? Children and grown-up alike will love playing table football. Special mention for the uber cute toilets. Remember it’s bar service only, but the atmosphere is just so chilled…
In the heart of Lausanne, not far from the Place de la Palud, is nestled Madeleine. No, it’s not where my aunt Madeleine lives, but a bookshop café. On one side is the bookshop and on the other the café. The place is timeless. I suggest taking a seat at a table to sip an iced coffee and savour a madeleine (of course!). You’ll be lulled by the surrounding peacefulness created by the pastel touches of the decoration and the soft lounge music in the background.
As you round a corner, what could be more fun than discovering electrical cabinets that proudly display a COFOP-signed graffiti? An urban object diverted as street art that delights the curious strollers who set out to spot them across the whole town. It’s pure eye candy. Endowed with a touch of humour and lightheartedness, such as “Lozanup, la ville qui monte” (“Lozanup, the city that climbs”) or “Lausangeles”, these graffiti will brighten up your day.
