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A jewel in the Canton of Vaud, she rises proudly on the shores of Lake Geneva. The five Olympic rings adorn with dignity the gable of its railway station. Surrounded by natural wonders, such as beaches and the famous Lavaux vineyards, listed as a UNESCO site, the beauty never ceases to make headline news. But who is she?
Of course, we’re talking of Lausanne! Olympic Capital and City, voted favourite destination for sports fans of all kinds. On land or on water, on the summits or in the air, ideally nestled between mountains and lake, Lake Geneva’s gem is the paradise for both athletes and creators.
A little history to get in the swing of things!
As a warmup, we suggest going back in time, since Lausanners and sports have woven together a long and beautiful love story that has lasted more than 100 years! It was in 1915 that the Headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – created and chaired by Pierre de Coubertin – were set up in Lausanne. Since then, it has to be said that sportsmanship has constantly enlivened and sparked the City.
“In the proud and independent atmosphere of Lausanne, Olympism will find guarantees of the freedom it must enjoy in order to move forward.” – Pierre de Coubertin
Forty years later, the first Olympic House was inaugurated in Vidy, yet it was only in 1994 that Lausanne was officially crowned “Olympic Capital”. An exceptional distinction that prompted some 60 international sports federations and associations to take up residence here, for instance in the House of International Sport. It is therefore on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the heart of this glorious setting, that these organisations work together to promote the worthy values of Olympism and sport.
Sport, a Lausanner’s way of life
Today, no less than 300 high-level sports associations and clubs thrive in Lausanne, such as the iconic Lausanne-Sport Football Club and Stade Lausanne Ouchy, Pully Lausanne Foxes Basketball Club and Lausanne Hockey Club. Proud of these powerful pillars, the city also hosts and supports every year a great number of unmissable sports events that showcase the best international athletes, such as Athletissima, FIBA 3×3 World Tour, the Tour de France as well as the Ladies Tennis Open. With its state-of-the-art sports infrastructures, such as the Stade de la Tuilière or the now legendary Vaudoise aréna – that hosted the third edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2020 – the City of Lausanne ensures it has the means to provide full support, clearly demonstrating its willingness to keep making sports more accessible and attractive. If ever a consecration was needed, in 2019 Lausanne was ranked two years running one of the top ten sports cities in the world.* A proper champion’s score; inspiring, isn’t it?
* According to the ranking established by international communication’s agency BCV.
On your marks, get set… Move!
Lausanner for a day or Lausanner forever, it’s your turn! You’re now well warmed up and fully prepared for an action-packed training session. Indeed, in the Olympic Capital, physical and sports activities are practised everywhere, all the time and in all weathers. Whether you prefer to tread water, alpine summits or urban streets, a broad choice is available to you, each more attractive than the last.
Getting into your stride
To all our jogger friends: is there a better playground than the one offered by the City of Lausanne? As for us, we’ve tried to find one, without success! Of course, you’ll remind us that we can run everywhere, yet on the shores of a lake with crystal-clear waters and a legendary serenity, surrounded by mountains with sublime peaks, isn’t that just heaven? The many walkers and joggers on the very popular Quai d’Ouchy by the lakeside definitely seem to agree. And all year round, lovers of running are spoiled! They can in turn take part in the 20 KM de Lausanne, the Wake Up and Run, or the very sought-after Lausanne Marathon. So, let’s go! Slip on your favourite trainers, and let’s set off with short strides, heading to Pully or Vidy, depending on your mood.
Sun and fun on the water
Bravo! That’s what we call pushing yourself… A now, let’s get ready for some water sports: stand-up paddle, wakeboarding and rowing await lovers of adrenaline. Perhaps you prefer a more chilled experience with your family or on your own? Then go for the stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats. Can you sense that feeling of summer in the air? There’s no doubt about it, you are in Lausanne on Sea! And now, it’s time to relax with as much bathing as you like or underwater exploration with the Ouchy Diving Club, if you fancy it. As for outdoor swimming pools, those of Bellerive and Pully-Plage – both with Olympic-sized pools – will delight those who love swimming above all.
The + : In Bellerive, as well as in Vidy, Saint-Sulpice and Lutry, connected multisport lockers are now available to the general public, offering a wide range of sports and leisure equipment. Convenient, easy and free!
Green getaways
Lovers of forest bathing are just as spoilt. It must be said that leafy spots – also very popular in the summer – are many in Lausanne. The city’s 350 hectares of parks and gardens make it one of the greenest in the world. Milan, Mon-Repos or the Olympic Museum, simply choose which park will be your destination for a lush and revitalising excursion. Sauvabelin wood is perfect for families who wish to combine an outing with nature activities thanks to its animal park, playground and canteen overlooking the lake. As for forests, it’s near Chalet-à-Gobet that the Jorat Forest will appeal to lovers of a Parcours vita (a fitness trail). And now, what would you say to a round of golf to show off your legendary hip rotation on the green? One thing is certain: the Lausanne Golf Club is going full swing!
The frozen arena
Are you keeping up? Not too out of breath? To cool down, come and cheer on the Lausanne Hockey Club Ice Centre. During the hockey season, Lausanners don’t miss an opportunity to meet up at the Vaudoise aréna to support their favourite team. Amateur practice, local leagues and major competitions take place in turn on the three ice rinks to delight the crowds. Just think that on match days, the main arena can accommodate up to 9,600 spectators! Information that is bound to cut ice with you… Right, on to the rink with sticks and blades at the ready, it’s your turn!
Bowled over
At the Vidy skatepark, while skateboards reign supreme, rollerblades and BMX aren’t to be outdone. Lausanners are in luck, as this “bowl” is one of the largest in Switzerland! Vidy is also a paradise for team sports, with many urban playgrounds for basketball, volleyball or football, where players also enjoy the most splendid lake views. A last pass to clinch victory and already the whistle signals the end of training time! Are you still with us? Then tell us what your favourite playground is. As for us, we love them all equally. With a score of one all, it’s a draw and time for the third half-time!
The + : In Bellerive, as well as in Vidy, Saint-Sulpice and Lutry, connected multisport lockers are now available to the general public, offering a wide range of sports and leisure equipment. Convenient, easy and free!
Discover the Lausanners