City centre

Today, the Palais de Rumine houses the Naturéum - Cantonal museum of natural sciences (geology and zoology, the cantonal museum of archaeology and history and the cantonal and university library - Lausanne.

This site is one of the most beautiful balconies from which to view the lake.
Here you will find a statue depicting a legendary Helvetian hero equipped with his crossbow: Guillaume Tell. In this ancient city centre square, just a stone's throw from the Church of St. Francis, Montbenon Esplanade offers you an extraordinary range of environments along a stretch of entirely flat ground covering more than half a kilometre, a novelty in Lausanne!

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.

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.

This central town square is surrounded by impressive buildings which today house banks, post office and shops.

Built in 1932 by Alphonse Laverrière, Bel-Air Tower was based on the American model (with a metal framework covered in stone). Standing at a height of 55 metres, this was one of Switzerland’s first “skyscrapers”.

Flon is the heart of the city of Lausanne, pulsing with life, day and night, in a modern and innovative setting. It’s the town’s architectural success: this district of former warehouses that begins at the Place de l’Europe was rehabilitated as a living area with a wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, cinemas, bowling and exhibition spaces. A must is to enjoy a drink on one of the rooftop terraces. In the winter, you can enjoy the ice-rink and in the summer the sandy beach.

Dating back to the 14th century, this tower is the last vestige of Lausanne’s old city walls, mostly destroyed during the18th century.