Lausanne: tips for a family outing

Come on, let's go to Lausanne! Not as international as Geneva, not as dreamy and sleepy as Fribourg: and yet, Lausanne is definitely worth a visit!

In Lausanne, the density of cool playgrounds, great parks and nice cafés is higher than in any other city. Add to this the architecturally exciting influence of neighbouring France, the proximity to the beautiful Lavaux region, the paradisiacal Lake Geneva in the background and at the same time not quite as crowded as other places in western Switzerland: Lausanne, we are fans.

Company:

The view from the cathedral has to be earned, but the many steps are worth it. We recommend climbing the covered wooden staircase (éscaliers du marché). After your visit to the Cité, it's worth making a detour to the Palais de Rumine and the Place de la Riponne (market on Wednesday/Saturday and water fountains for the children) or a culinary detour to one of the many restaurants around the Pont Bessières. (Look out for the Byblos restaurant with its impressive Titeuf façade).
www.cathedrale-lausanne.ch
www.palaisderumine.ch
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch(Riponne and surroundings)

There is now a free travel diary for families with games, puzzles and explorations. The diary, including a small craft kit, is aimed at children aged 5 to 12 and can be collected free of charge from the tourist offices. (Image: zVg Lausanne Tourist Office)
There is now a free travel diary for families with
games, puzzles and explorations. The diary, including a small craft kit, is aimed at children aged 5 to 12 and can be collected free of charge from the tourist offices. (Image: zVg Lausanne Tourist Office)

It feels like there is a small playground for the children hidden in every courtyard and you are spoilt for choice if you are looking for a place for the little ones to let off steam. A trip to Mon Repos Park can easily be combined with a take-away lunch with delicious pizza corners from Cut Pizza and a café from the pavilion in the middle of the park. The children can let off steam in the playground or chat to the birds or carp in the mini zoo.
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch (Pavilion Folie Voltaire in Mon Repos Park)
cutpizza.ch
Many people have been to the Olympic Museum themselves as children and even years later it is still worth visiting the museum with the escalator in the garden. The Plateforme 10 art quarter right next to the railway station, on the other hand, is new and impresses in both good and bad weather. The cultural platform is home to various museums such as the art museum and the Mudac Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts. If you missed the exhibition on games at the National Museum in Zurich, you can still see it at the beautiful Château de Prangins near Nyon until 10 October 2021. A visit to the Kappla Tower near Sauvablin on the way back to Lausanne is a great way to entice the children out of the exhibition.

olympics.com/museum
plateforme10.ch
www.chateaudeprangins.ch
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch (Kappla Tower in Sauvablin Park)

Water feature in Ouchy: stay dry if you can, get wet if you want to! (Image: Switzerland Tourism / Christof Schuerpf)
Water feature in Ouchy: stay dry if you can, get wet if you want to! (Image: Switzerland Tourism / Christof Schuerpf)

If you still have strength in your calves, you can let your lower legs stroll further towards the lake. The Promenade de la ficelle, the name of the former cog railway, runs along the former metro line from the station to the lake. If you don't have the energy to walk up or down, take the metro. Watch out at the stops, as they are set to onomatopoeic music and will make many a child's (and adult's) ear smile. In Ouchy there is a large playground, pédalos and tired feet can also be refreshed briefly if desired.
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch (Promenade de la ficelle)

Eating and drinking:

The Jetée de la Compagnie is a magical place in summer. Hidden behind the Bellerive car park is this paradisiacal place with a bar and music. Children can enjoy syrup, while adults can opt for yoga or Pilates at sunrise or sunset.
www.jeteedelacompagnie.ch

The aperitif rarely tastes as good as at the Jetée de la Compagnie (Image: Switzerland Tourism / Giglio Pasqua)
The aperitif rarely tastes as good as at the Jetée de la Compagnie (Image: Switzerland Tourism / Giglio Pasqua)

Everyone feels at home on the Plage de Lutry . The little ones climb on the playground until they need to cool off, the grown-ups practise their surfboard skills or eat and drink their way through the local menu at the friendly buvette.
www.region-du-leman.ch
 Shopping and eating can be easily combined, especially in the Flon neighbourhood, where one terrace follows another and those who want a view can visit the roof terrace of Club Mad. The Brasserie Montbenon is a little quieter and has a new playground next door.
www.mad-house.ch/rooftop
www.brasseriedemontbenon.ch

Overnight stay:

The Jeunotel youth hostel in Vidy is inexpensive, in a great location, especially in summer, and family-friendly.
www.youthhostel.ch
For those who prefer a more central and cooler location, we recommend the Hotel Moxy in Flon.
www.marriott.com
 Previous tips from Lausanne :
I have already revealed my personal favourite places in the Vaud metropolis in another article, such as a hidden park with deer or the long sandy beach for that seaside feeling between Lausanne and Morges: read more holiday tips from the editorial team in the archive here.
 Good to know
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, special protection concepts are currently in place in many places. Consult the website before your visit to find out about current opening hours, possible restrictions on operations and the organisation of events.

Glacé mag Online-Leiterin Florina Schwander überall. Aber in Lausanne gefällts der dreifachen Mama und angeheirateten Romande ganz besonders gut und sie freut sich schon auf die nächste Kugel «sésame noir» in Ouchy. 
Online manager Florina Schwander likes ice cream everywhere. But the mum of three and Romande by marriage particularly likes it in Lausanne and is already looking forward to the next scoop of "sésame noir" in Ouchy.

More ideas for family outings:

  • A weekend at the fireplace
    Whether it's cervelat or halloumi: when the flames wind their way around the wood while barbecuing with the family, young and old alike will find their hearts warming and their mouths watering. Six special places for fiery fun.
  • Excursions: Get out of the house!
    Frolicking in the grass, «götsche» in the stream or chatting with the animals - families feel at home in the fresh air. We reveal tried-and-tested and lesser-known parks, farms and adventurous playgrounds that are guaranteed to be worth a spring excursion.
  • Family-friendly museums
    When the swimming season is over, parents start looking for destinations to visit in all weathers. Reason enough to browse for museums that will interest the whole family.