Lausanne Old Town

Old town Lausanne lies just beyond the threshold of Lausanne Palace – and it’s easily walkable.

Get your bearings at the nearby Place Saint-François, where old and new Lausanne intersect and a pretty church adorns the square, then head along the Rue de Bourg to admire the Parisian-inspired buildings that house boutiques and cafés.

Stop for a quick coffee at Place de la Palud. Pinpointing the centre of Lausanne’s Old Town, this medieval market square has a striking central fountain which depicts the figure of Justice, and an enchanting, animated clock that springs to life every hour – worth timing your visit around.  

From here, ascend the 13th century Escaliers du Marché. True, the climb is steep, but it’s worth it to stroll under one of the city’s oldest surviving structures (over 800 years!).  

You’ll emerge at the iconic Lausanne Cathedral, and be rewarded not only with a Gothic masterpiece, but panoramic and layered views across the city rooftops to Lake Geneva.