Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Built between 1150 and 1275, it is regarded as the most beautiful Gothic building in Switzerland. To the south, its painted portal, unique in Europe, is a pure marvel. 232 steps leading to the belfry reward the visitor with a magnificent view. From the top of this tower, a watch has been crying out the hours from 10pm-2am for over 600 years.

---

Eglise Saint-François

It was part of a Franciscan convent built around 1270. The belfry 56 meters in height, resembles the one in the cathedral.

---

Tour de l’Ale

This 21-metre high watch tower built in 1340 is the last vestige of the mediaeval city wall. The walls are up to 1.75 metres thick.

---

Château Saint-Maire

This was built between 1397 and 1427 to serve as the Bishop’s palace. Its bricks are reminiscent of northern Italian architecture.

---

Ancienne Académie

After the Reformation, the Bernese undertook the construction in 1579 in order to train Pastors.

---

Hôtel de Ville

It was in this very place that Mozart at the age of 10 in 1766 gave two concerts! Look at the remarkable iron forged gargoyles which adorn the roof and the vaulted passage which brings you to the Place de la Louve.

---

Villa Mon-Repos

Voltaire put some plays on here before the place was renovated in 1818. In 1924, Baron Pierre de Coubertin created the first Olympic museum here. A magnificent English park invites the visitor to dally a while.

---

Bateaux à vapeur

Paddle steamers have been cruising the lake Geneva since 1823. Five of them are still in operation, including the SS “Montreux” built in 1904.

---

Château d’Ouchy

Only the dungeon tower of the medieval 12th century castle remains. At the end of the 19th century, it was transformed into a neo-Gothic style hotel.

---

Campagne de l’Elysée

This elegant stately home from the end of the 18th century today houses the Photography Museum. Its attractive park provides a magnificent view of the lake.

---

Tours néogothiques

These were built toward 1830, following a contest to build the most beautiful ruined Gothic folly.

---

Palais de Rumine

This vast edifice, so reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture, was built in 1900 and now connects the Place de la Riponne to the Cité. It houses several museums including the zoology museum where you can admire, for example, one of the largest white sharks to have ever been caught.

---

Casino de Montbenon

This building, inspired by the Italian Renaissance and built in 1908 to house a casino, was subsequently converted into a film library (one of the ten biggest in the world). The visitor can admire a magnificent panorama from its gardens.

---

Gare des Voyageurs

This was built from 1911 to 1916 along the lines of Leipzig station in Germany. Its central hall sports a gigantic chandelier, as well as an admirable clock. You should also note the 200 m long metal canopy.

---

Tour Bel-Air

61 meters high, this “sky scraper” built between 1929 and 1931 houses the Métropole hall. In 1992, Maurice Béjart discovered this magnificent disused theatre and contributed to its salvation by staging his productions.

---

Pavillon thaïlandais

This pavilion, the biggest in Europe with its 16 meters, is a gift from King Bhumibol in memory of the sixteen years he spent in Lausanne.