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Amélie, the enchanted illustrator
I grew up and lived in France for 21 years before settling in Montreal for three years. Then I decided to set off on a new adventure and moved to Lausanne, where I have now been living for almost three years. I studied photography, then graphic design and became passionate about illustrating when I got to Canada. For me, illustrations tell stories that are freely interpreted by the reader. I created dreamlike worlds in which one can escape. My work aims at providing a different perspective of everyday life, familiar landscapes and one’s own daily environment.
« For me, Lausanne is… the love of nature combined with the love of charming spots. I discover it every day through its local cafés, the different perspectives that open out onto the lake and its cultural diversity. I feel good in Lausanne, having a last found a town that really suits me and stimulates my creativity. »
My recommendations
When the weekend comes round, it heralds the traditional Saturday morning stroll at the Lausanne farmers’ market. I’m used to going to Place de la Riponne to the Belogi Pasta stall to buy delicious fresh pasta, fill up on seasonal fruit and vegetables, and indulge in a bouquet of flowers to brighten up my living room.
Impact Hub is a huge coworking space of which I am a member since March 2023. It’s a place where you can exchange with several other inspiring people, all driven by the desire to bring about positive change. You can go there for half a day, a day or, like me, register for several months. Get lost in the vast expanse of the premises while taking the time to savour a coffee on the terrasse perched on top of the containers or on the esplanade offering a view over the lake.
The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts and Photo Elysée are two museums housed in a single building, and I must say that its architecture, with its refined lines, is truly magnificent. I love going there to discover the current exhibitions and have a coffee at Café Lumen, located at the mudac. And do you know what? Even in winter, if the sun is shining, I won’t hesitate to go out on the enclosed outdoors terrace. It’s fab to be able to get warm while enjoying the view.
Without a doubt my favourite spot to get the day off to a great start. Every year, I impatiently await the return of yoga sessions at the Jetée de la Compagnie. The Jetée is a lively place located on the lake shore, with two containers serving food and drinks, as well as a musical space to meet after work. However, the Jetée is also characterised by its yoga classes organised every morning of the week. No need to register, you simply turn up with your mat and take up a spot facing the lake to relax for an hour. There’s no fixed rate, you contribute a free donation.
I spent two months in India and Indian cuisine is simply my favourite. Nandanam, Lausanne’s must-go Indian restaurant, is the place where I know I’ll savour a delicious meal every time. The dishes are generous and flavourful, and the staff extremely welcoming. What’s more, you can enjoy the terrace at the back that offers a superb view over Plateforme 10. As it’s often very busy, I recommend booking a table ahead.
The experience of sprinting on the 100-metre track in the park of the Lausanne Olympic Museum, with light beams recreating Usain Bolt’s speed, is simply incredible. In addition, there are other fascinating activities to be discovered, and on the museum’s top floor, the TOM Café serves a gourmet all-you-can-eat buffet at the weekends. I recommend booking ahead.
Le Barbare, located next to the Escaliers du Marché, is a must-go café restaurant that I highly recommend. Every day, they publish the day’s specials on Instagram, with two delicious local and seasonal dishes to choose from. I love to take a seat on their terrace and savour a Marta luscious hot chocolate, an absolute essential for me!