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Michaël, the urban spirit
Born in Lausanne, I grew up in the Vaud countryside before moving back here to study. Passionate about photography, I mainly focus on the topics of architecture, streets and mountains. I love to roam the towns and mountains with my camera always at the ready to capture the unique essence of the spots visited. For me, photography gives me a certain creativity. The lines, structures, plays of light and shade and the seasons enable me to capture the magic of places and are the opportunity to unveil unusual angles. Lausanne is my playground, where I let myself be guided – on foot or on a bike – by the atmosphere that surrounds me until my gaze is drawn by a scene, a sound, a movement to be immortalised in my lens.
« The best small city in the world. It’s the city that I miss every time I travel, and that I look forward to coming back to. It’s a dynamic and multicultural city that offers various atmospheres depending on the neighbourhoods. Lausanne’s architecture and the harmony of contrasts that make it up inspire me and I will never tire of discovering or rediscovering it. »
My recommendations
“Welcome home” as Davide and Steeve would say when you walk through the door of their speciality coffee shop. A warm place that didn’t take long to conquer the city thanks to the diversity of coffees they serve. Since the end of 2021, they have moved to more spacious premises in order to provide us with an even better experience.
Dare to leave the city centre behind to discover this address. What with its industrial style, tropical wallpaper and many plants, the place is superb. Café de Prélaz welcomes you all year round with seasonal dishes (that change every week), and especially a weekend brunch (not to be missed). Relaxing break guaranteed.
For the best burgers in town, head this way. No matter the address – Boulevard the Grancy (my favourite) or Rue Saint-Laurent – the concept is the same with quality, original hamburgers. The setting subtly combines a contemporary style with a touch of rustic elegance. Let yourself be tempted by the “Valaisan” and, if you’re not too full, treat yourself to a slice of their homemade cheesecake.
Located in the area below the train station, Umamido is a true delight for aficionados of ramen prepared with local products. This restaurant welcomes you in a bright room with an open kitchen, a main counter decorated with vintage mosaics and wood trimmings (a legacy of the former Café des Arcades) that give the place real character. One small tip: go there early as they don’t take bookings.
Taking inspiration from the architectural model of American skyscrapers, the Bel-Air Tower is Switzerland’s such building. An unmissable symbol of the city, it can be spotted from afar. Just next to it is the Flon, a lively and trendy district that has successfully reinvented itself as the years have gone by to become one of the most popular areas for inhabitants and visitors alike, where architecture, art and design mix.
Majestically overlooking the urban landscape, Lausanne Cathedral is one of the town’s architectural and historical jewels. Climb to the top of its belfry to have a fantastic panoramic view over the city. Don’t hesitate to stroll in the lanes of the Cité (the historic district) to discover its hidden treasures.
Ideally located by the lakeside and surrounded by beautiful green spaces, UNIL and EPFL are two villages within the town. Walk around their campuses to discover the contemporary architecture of buildings designed by renowned architects. Don’t miss the Unithèque (aka “the Banana”), Vortex, Géopolis, Batochime, Rolex Learning Center, EPFL Pavilions, MED (and its staircase) and SwissTech Convention Center. And as a bonus, the colourful pedestrian underpass of the EPFL metro station.