Lausanne old town and cathedral

Any visit to Lausanne must allow time to explore the wonderful tangle of twisting cobbled lanes and pretty squares that make up its old town. 

To bring the experience to life, we’d recommend a private walking tour led by a local. They’ll point out all of Lausanne's Roman, medieval and Belle Époque secrets, from patrician townhouses to hidden viewpoints. 

It all leads uphill towards Lausanne Cathedral. Perched above the city, it’s considered to be Switzerland’s finest Gothic cathedral. Inside, you can admire features like the intricate stained glass rose, which tells the story of creation and, if you’re lucky, hear a blast from the largest organ in Europe. You’ll also learn about the night watch in the belltower, who keeps the 600-year tradition of calling the hour every night from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.