Top 10 of the best summer terraces in Lausanne

The Lausanner
The Lausanner
April 3, 2024

We all love spending time there sipping a drink, reading a good book, chatting and laughing out loud. We sometimes have a refill and always chill… Between you and me, is there a better invention than the terrace? The weather is inviting, the sky is blue and it’s not without emotion that we declare the terrace season officially open! Discover right now our selection of the 10 best spots in Lausanne where it’s simply heavenly to bask in the sun.

Buvette ephemere Cote Lac sur les quais d'Ouchy avec vue sur le lac Leman Buvette ephemere Cote Lac sur les quais d'Ouchy avec vue sur le lac Leman

1 – The “Jetée de la Compagnie”

Deckchairs, petanque course, cocktails, the water’s edge and great company… At La Jetée, a holiday atmosphere is guaranteed! Its feel of a coastal resort and terrace right on the water’s edge make it the ideal spot to meet up for drinks with friends after a long day at the office. Head this way to catch some sun!

The bonus: ss an extension of La Jetée, the Minimum Bar adds to the charm of the place by giving off the same summer vibes, beach-hut style.

Detente au bord du lac.  jetee de la Compagnie Detente au bord du lac.  jetee de la Compagnie

2 – Les Grandes Roches

Hidden under Pont Bessières, this pleasant terrace stands out as the favourite meeting place for locals. Palm trees, colourful lighted garlands, table football and a snooker table set the stage for a relaxed spot that invites you to take a break. Whether for after-works, sunny afternoons or long summer evenings, we’ll seize any opportunity to meet up and enjoy a craft beer or a homemade cordial. Cheers!

The bonus: its unusual, urban character in the heart of Lausanne. 

Terrasse des Grandes Roches sous le Pont Bessieres avec vue sur le metro m2. Campagne Suisse Tourisme ete 2022 - ville verte / terrasses. Terrasse des Grandes Roches sous le Pont Bessieres avec vue sur le metro m2. Campagne Suisse Tourisme ete 2022 - ville verte / terrasses.

3 – La Folie Voltaire

This charming cool spot is nestled not far from the town centre, in the heart of Mon-Repos Park. In the shade of century-old trees, we delight in the delicious homemade quince cordial and a menu of local, seasonal nibbles. There’s a choice of salads, crêpes and ice creams, to be savoured without moderation and with the added bonus for parents of a direct view over the playground to keep an eye on their offspring. It would be folly not to go!

The bonus: its location in the heart of one of the most charming parks in Lausanne. And the great playground right next to it.

Detente dans le parc Mon-Repos Folie Voltaire Detente dans le parc Mon-Repos Folie Voltaire

4 – La Superette

Located on Place de la Riponne, the Superette terrace is a vibrant, lively place for the whole family. From breakfasts to business lunches and kids’ afternoon teas to aperitifs, you can savour local market cuisine at all times, while enjoying colourful social and cultural activities.

The bonus: the many events that revolve around this composite spot.

5 – La Terrasse

The Terrasse de Lutry well and truly has a holiday atmosphere! What with the gravel, pine trees and direct view over the boats and lake, the place oozes summertime and apéros in the sun. From Easter to mid-October, this ideal terrace – located a mere 5 minutes from Lausanne – rolls out a menu of tasty dishes: beef tartare, moussaka or warm goat cheese salad, to be eaten without moderation!

The bonus: Just outside the city, this terrace offers a delicious sense of escape…

6 – La Guinguette de Vidy

Very near the Vidy Bowl, the shady terrace of this unusual pop-up bar benefits from a spectacular view over the lake. Open 7 days a week, it serves snack boards with local flavours, hot dogs, terrines and rillettes, as well as a selection of house drinks. What more could you want?

The bonus: its prime location right on the lakefront. 

Buvette ephemere La Guinguette a Vidy au bord du lac Leman Buvette ephemere La Guinguette a Vidy au bord du lac Leman

7 – Les Jardins

Located at the foot of the Cité, Les Jardins du Vieux-Lausanne offer an outstanding view over the town. This bucolic terrace – slightly set back and nestled in a green setting – welcomes its lucky customers as soon as the warmer weather arrives. The summer after-works, every day from 5 pm, are a must, with music, finger food and house cocktails to be savoured in total relaxation.

The bonus: its irresistible French charm…

Vue drone sur Les Jardins du restaurant du Vieux-Lausanne a la Cite. Vue drone sur Les Jardins du restaurant du Vieux-Lausanne a la Cite.

8 – Côté Lac

In the heart of the charming neighbourhood of Ouchy, Côté Lac association opens its pop-up summer bar on Quai de Belgique. It’s got everything you need to share good times in an idyllic setting, opposite the Olympic Museum’s fountain. Why not seize the opportunity to have a dip in the lake? Ouchy’s new bathing area is right in front of the bar. Let’s all dive in!

The bonus: The water’s edge atmosphere that we’re crazy about

Installation de 4 buvettes/guinguettes entre le quai de Belgique et le Parc Bourget. Ici Cote lac sur quais d'Ouchy Installation de 4 buvettes/guinguettes entre le quai de Belgique et le Parc Bourget. Ici Cote lac sur quais d'Ouchy

9 – La Rincette

At the foot of the Vidy pyramids, it’s the new kid on the block! As from March 29, head to the Esplanade des Cantons, in the shade of the umbrella pines and on the water’s edge, to bask on this terrace reminiscent of the Mediterranean… Shall we meet you there?

The bonus: In the summer, the much-appreciated event Lausanne sur Mer takes place right opposite!

10 – Le Café Perché

The Café Perché overlooks the Palais de Beaulieu and offers a panoramic view over the lake. This charming small historic building is fronted by a pretty and shady terrace ideal to chill and sip a homemade cordial or an organic coffee together with local and seasonal snacks, such as salads, focaccia with a topping or cold soups. Enjoy!

The bonus: The pleasure of getting out of town and gaining some height. And the adjacent fab playground.

 

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