August 1 at the Lausanne Palace

For over a century, the Lausanne Palace has embodied the living elegance of Swiss hospitality. Inaugurated on June 19, 1915, at the height of the Belle Époque, this iconic five-star hotel quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Lausanne’s cultural and social life—fully integrated into the rhythm of the city. To this day, it remains a favourite among creatives, renowned personalities, and all those who appreciate the art de vivre à la lausannoise: refined, curious, and open to the world.

Throughout the decades, the Lausanne Palace has remained true to its Swiss identity while continually embracing its time. It blends legendary hospitality with contemporary audacity. The “LP spirit” combines excellence with spontaneity—a touch of irreverence that mirrors Lausanne itself, a city known for its exceptional quality of life, understated charm, and vibrant creativity.

In this setting where history and renewal meet, celebrating Swiss National Day takes on a special meaning. On August 1st, the Lausanne Palace invites guests to an exceptional culinary experience: a buffet paying tribute to Switzerland’s 26 cantons, served on the enchanting terrace of Le Côté Jardin, overlooking Lake Geneva and the city’s fireworks. An event that reflects the very essence of the hotel—generous, rooted, and effortlessly inspired.

A nation of flavours and stories

Behind this exceptional buffet lies a meticulous and generous approach. Chef Thierry Buffeteau explains:

“We wanted to tell the story of Switzerland in all its diversity, using regional ingredients that are sometimes rare, forgotten, or little-known.”

Each canton is represented by a carefully chosen speciality—such as certified pork from Thurgau, Glarus meat pie, and the surprising Cholermues from Obwalden, a traditional sweet dish. Some of these recipes, little known outside their regions of origin, are given pride of place here, highlighting the richness and diversity of Swiss culinary heritage.

This August 1st buffet is imagined as a journey that brings together traditional recipes and inspired reinterpretations—a celebration of Swiss culinary heritage with a contemporary touch.

The culinary heritage of a diverse country

Often celebrated for its spectacular landscapes and watchmaking artistry, Switzerland also boasts a culinary heritage closely connected to its different regions. From alpine pastures and vineyards to the country’s diverse agricultural regions, this geographical variety contributes to the richness of its culinary traditions.

It is this diversity of terroirs and traditions that the Lausanne Palace highlights through its August 1st buffet. Celebrating Switzerland also means showcasing its producers, regional specialities, and culinary know-how passed down through generations.

A shared spirit, a singular setting

While each dish pays tribute to a specific canton, the buffet also echoes the spirit of the Swiss Confederation itself—a celebration of community, diversity, and unity. Far from folkloric clichés, the Lausanne Palace buffet is designed to be convivial, generous, and centred on sharing.

“We’re not simply serving food—we’re offering an experience, telling a collective story through products and recipes from different regions of Switzerland.”

And what better setting than Le Côté Jardin’s panoramic terrace, suspended between lake and mountains, to bring this story to life? On the evening of August 1st, the Lake Geneva fireworks provide a spectacular backdrop to a dinner that is sensory, festive, and poetic.

A Swiss madeleine

Among the 26 dishes, one has particular meaning for Chef Buffeteau:

“The Cholermues really resonates with me. It’s a dish I used to eat as a child on holidays in Central Switzerland. It brings back such pure, simple memories.”

This intimate, emotional layer runs throughout the experience. At the Lausanne Palace, cooking is more than technique—it is a way of passing down flavours, feelings, and stories.

Celebrating Swiss terroirs: a focus on carefully selected products

Beyond pleasure and discovery, the buffet of the 26 cantons showcases products and culinary know-how from different regions of Switzerland.

“We are committed to showcasing Swiss products, taking factors such as provenance and seasonality into account when making our selections.”

The selection includes, among other things, meats carrying identified labels, alpine cheeses, and products sourced from Swiss producers. For certain product categories, the team gives preference, where availability and season allow, to Swiss sourcing and seasonal produce.

This focus on provenance supports the Lausanne Palace’s ambition to offer a culinary experience that showcases producers, regional specialities, and the diversity of Swiss terroirs.

Celebrating Swiss National Day is also an opportunity to recognise the people who grow, raise, produce, and transform the ingredients and products that contribute to the culinary richness of Switzerland’s different regions.

Why celebrate at the Lausanne Palace on August 1?

• To experience Swiss National Day in Lausanne in an exceptional setting
• To discover 26 cantonal specialities brought together in a single buffet
• To enjoy a summery and convivial evening on the terrace with a view of the fireworks
• To discover Swiss products and specialities, some of which are little known outside their regions of origin
• To celebrate Swiss culture, terroir, and hospitality at one of the city’s most iconic hotels