Place du Château

The castle was the seat of the bishops, then the bailiffs after the conquest of Bern in 1536, and finally that of the Vaudois government from 1803. An imposing door sheltering cells straddled the rue de la Barre. Alas, it was destroyed in 1890 to allow for traffic. It was here in 1723 that the hero of the Vaudois revolution, Major Davel, spent his last night before being beheaded at Vidy. In 1898 a monument in his honour was erected against the façade of the castle.

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Place St-François

Dominated by a beautiful church, the most famous square in Lausanne was protected to the south by the city wall (13th century). Nowadays there is hardly a trace of this vestige which was mainly destroyed during the 19th century. After the construction in 1840 of the “Grand-Pont” the square became the main stagecoach post. This bustling activity brought in its wake the construction of the “Grand Hotels” of that time. They were demolished at the beginning of the 20th century to make way for banks, turning Saint-François into the financial center of Lausanne.

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Quartier du Flon

This ancient valley, which in times gone by was dotted by vineyards, mills and houses, was filled in during the 19th century, in particular by the soil extracted when the first Swiss funicular was drilled in 1877 connecting Ouchy with the Flon. Then warehouses were built to harbour the goods which came by boat from Ouchy. More recently, restaurants, bars and cinemas have emerged, turning this district into a new pole of attraction.

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Place de la Palud

This picturesque square owes its name to former marshland covering that site. Because of its central location it became, from the 9th century a choice spot of merchants (the Town Hall was used as a warehouse and shelter). The statue of Justice overlooking the fountain is a copy of the original (1585) which can be found in the history museum. No.23 marks the spot of the mechanical clock which audibly counts the hours (9-19h) and history of Lausanne. At No.2 of the rue de la Mercerie is one of the oldest dwellings in Lausanne. If you continue up this street, you will have a beautiful view on the ancient Bishop’s palace. Take the magnificent “Escaliers-du-Marché” fringed by narrow houses (notice the gothic windows of No.17), their 160 steps will lead you to the Cathedral.
Traditional market: We/Sa 6h-14h
Artisan market: 1st Friday of every month

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Rue de Bourg

The most prestigious street in Lausanne used to be an important carriageway for stagecoaches. Lined by small inns, dwellings of local craftsmen as well The richly decorated homes of nobles. At No.18, the courtyard steps is worth a stop, and also at No.26 where the style of the gargoyles recall the Town Hall. Also to be noted is the beautiful façade of No.33 and the elegant St. Francois arcade.
Traditional market: Wednesday/Saturday 6-14h

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Vidy

This beautiful location, some of it stolen from the lake on the occasion of the 1964 Swiss National Exposition, is an ideal spot for walking and summer barbecues. A leisure area with numerous sports fields, you will also discover the Roman ruins of the ancient Lousonna there.

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Ouchy

As from the 12th century, this small fishing and trading port became important. So much so, that the Bishop decided to build a castle there in order to ensure its defence. In the wake of trading came travellers and tourists, which increased in number with the launching in 1823 of the first steam boat in Switzerland, linking Geneva to Ouchy. Hotels sprang up among which the right wing (1861) of the prestigious Beau-Rivage Palace. A leisurely stroll alongside the quay will take you to the Tour Haldimand.
Traditional market: Sundays (April-Sept.) 8h-20h