Lake Geneva is 45 miles long shared by France on the southern shore and Switzerland in the north. Lausanne is position ideally almost in the center of le Léman. There is plenty to see in the old city if you can pull yourself away from neighboring Ouchy.
During medieval times, someone would climb the stairs of the Cathedral of Notre Dame every night to watch over the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, for approaching invaders or fires. The tradition of shouting out the all clear phrase “c’est le guet; il a sonnè l’heure” is still conducted hourly from 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. each night. This is their view. In the background are Lake Geneva and the Chablais mountain which is part of the Swiss Alps.
Place de la Cathédrale, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Lausanne, Switzerland, was consecrated in 1215 after 45 years of construction. This tympanum and archivolt on the west portal called Montfalcon is elaborately decorated with Biblical statues. It was built in 1517 and named after Bishop Sébastien de Montfalcon.
Place de la Cathédrale, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Engraved over the three-arched entrance of the Rumine Palace are the words “Vniversite Mussees Biblioeqve” which meant the “university museum and library” when it was completed in 1902. Today it contains five museums and is also the cantonal library. It was the gift of Gabriel de Rumine who was the son of a wealthy Russian prince. He was only 30 when he died in Lausanne.
6, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Standing guard over the entrance of the Palais de Rumine in Lausanne, Switzerland, are two winged lions. Each of these mythical creatures is perched on top of a tall Corinthian column. The Rumine Palace contains several museums: Fine Arts, Archaeology and History, Money, Geology and Zoology.
6, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1900, the Hôtel des Postes in downtown, Lausanne, Switzerland, has been the office building for Customs and the Swiss Post. Eugène Jost was the architect who was unknown when he won the design competition in 1894. The white sandstone structure with arches and dormers is called an eclectic style.
Place Saint-François 15 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
St. François is the center of downtown Lausanne, Switzerland. Within a short walking distance of this clock are interesting architecture (like the Hôtel Des Postes in the background), a medieval church, a shopping district plus lots of hotels and restaurants. The area derives its name from St. Francis of Assisi when the Franciscans arrived in 1258. Oh yes, there are also four jewelry stores close by if you want a watch with Swiss movement.
Tunnel E St-François 2 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions