As well as the Olympic Museum, a drawing card for sports enthusiasts from all
over the world, Lausanne appeals to the visitor for its position, its medieval
centre and its cultural events. Strolling through the narrow alleys of the centre,
tourists come across charming boutiques, cosy cafes and excellent restaurants.
The city’s Gothic Cathedral is a gorgeous example of 13th century architecture,
with 4 spires and 105 stained glass windows. The nearby vineyards allow a perfect
opportunity for strolling through the countryside, while participating in the
obligatory, and pleasurable, wine tasting.
The world-famous Béjart Ballet offers concerts in June and either October
or December, and is definitely worth a visit for lovers of high culture. An
international competition for young dancers, the Prix de Lausanne, is held annually
in January and February. In November, concerts of the Lausanne Opera, the Lausanne
Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande turn this city into
a musical hub of international renown.
Lausanne is also a great starting point for excursions into the surrounding
countryside, with a number of attractions nearby. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
are within easy reach, as are the Les Diablerets Glacier, the Vaud Alps, and
the Jungfrau. Passing by the vineyard of Lavaux, through Vevey and Montreaux,
you reach the historic Chillon Castle, a 12th century masterpiece nestled on
the shores of Lake Geneva and shadowed by towering mountain peaks.
|
