Three hills and two watercourses

Guided tours

These days, it is difficult to imagine this hilly landscape, in principle quite ill-suited to the development of such a large city. So why was such a rugged site selected?

Before answering this question, we should note that for more than a thousand years Lausanne gradually took shape as a collection of small urban districts running up and down the steep hills.

While modernisation has smoothed out most of this unusual environment, the heart of the city has remained true to its origins, conveying an identity, an atmosphere, in a word a special charm so discreet as to awaken curiosity.

This original and recreational walk through the twists and turns of the city centre (steps, lifts, lanes and alleys) blending history and reality will be a revelation. It may help you to discover a Lausanne that you did not expect to encounter.