Lausanne’s design spots

Chloé, the family designer
Chloé the family designer
August 23, 2021

Lausanne is packed full of great addresses that combine design, architecture and an eye for detail. A lover of aesthetics, I always guide our walks, family meals, coffee breaks or shopping trips towards places where “the beautiful” is present. With my family, I obviously favour kid-friendly options as much as possible.

My favourite addresses of decoration and design boutiques

I’m first taking you to discover my favourite addresses of decoration and design boutiques. Those who know me know of my love for vintage. Located in the Flon District, the Galerie du Port Franc is fantastic for enthusiasts like me. You very often find pieces by great designers. The place’s bare architecture completely highlights the furniture. There is a coffee corner in the back. As for the children, they love to sit down at the old school desk and type away at the ancient typewriter put at their disposal.

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Another of my best-loved addresses is ChicCham. I’m a fan of its “post-industrial” space that extends over more than 300 m2, with magnificent glass walls. You’ll find there a superb collection of contemporary design brands as well as vintage furniture and accessories. A nice blend of two styles that I myself love to use when decorating.

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Une publication partagée par Chic Cham (@chicchamshop)

Finally, there is Julie’s boutique, L’Attribut d’Iris. A small shop packed full of nuggets and treasures to my greatest delight. You’ll find a selection of green plants and dried flowers for your home, as well as superb decorative items made by small creators. I challenge you to walk out empty-handed!

The addresses I recommend in the culinary realm

Let’s now explore the addresses I recommend in the culinary realm… For a successful experience, the food needs to be good, but I attach huge importance to the setting as well. If I had to narrow it down to 3 addresses, I would start with the Brasserie de Montbenon, with its imposing architecture and dome, mouldings, space on the mezzanine and magnificent terrace overlooking the park (ideal to let the children play while keeping an eye of them).

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Then it would be the Nandanam, THE Indian restaurant in Lausanne. Once through the door, the sweet aroma of spices transports you directly to India. The decoration is sober and pared down. The patterns on the floor’s cement tiles add a colourful, graphic touch to the place. Once again, the superb terrace with a view on the MCBA building with its incredible architecture can’t fail to enchant you.

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Une publication partagée par Nandanam Restaurant (@nandanam_restaurant)

I would finish with the brand new Italian address Un Po’ di Più. The setting immerses us into an Italian atmosphere: unmatched dishes, jars of fruits and vegetables displayed on the shelf… I love it! On the menu, I recommend of course “double truffle”, a generous pasta dish with truffle. It’s pure bliss! The terrace is one of my favourite in Lausanne and is perfect to meet up with friends over a nice coffee, after Saturday morning’s market.

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In Lausanne, you’ll also see building façades dating back to the 1930s with their ornaments and air of Parisian streets. There are, of course, the must-see monuments such as the Majestic Bel-Air Tower, the Cathedral and the IOC Headquarters with their futuristic architecture.

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Experience a pottery class at Klayit

And if you love beautiful objects, I invite you to experience a pottery class at Klayit, in the former ironmonger’s workshop, Rue du Valentin. Charles and Diana, a young passionate couple, are at the origin of the idea of organising classes in that superb location. You can discover the basics of the potter’s wheel and, with Charles’s valuable advice, make your very first cup, bowl, vase or whatever you feel like creating. An unforgettable experience that I can only recommend.

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