Whether you are from Switzerland or just visiting, you will find that Lausanne is a lovely, vibrant town in summer with lots of fun and enriching experiences awaiting you. When you’re not busy with your studies, there are plenty of exciting activities and places to explore. With the warm weather and beautiful nature, the areas in and around Lausanne offer an abundance of things to do, regardless of your interests. So take some time off for yourself and go discover what this vibrant region has in store for you.
Here is a list of activities you can look forward to in the area:
Music festivals
Every summer, the canton of Vaud is filled with concerts of all kinds. Two of the most famous are the Montreux Jazz and Paléo Festival Nyon. The Montreux Jazz Festival is a music festival held in early July in Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline. It is the second-largest annual jazz festival in the world. The Paléo Festival de Nyon, usually just called Paléo, is an annual rock and hip-hop festival held in Nyon, Switzerland.
Museums
Rainy day? Why not enjoy some cultural activities and visit one of Lausanne’s many museums. Photo Elysée is one of the biggest museums in Switzerland and dedicated entirely to the discipline of photography. MCBA – Vaud Museum of Fine Arts is another great museum which is one of the oldest Swiss museums exclusively dedicated to art.
Beach in Vidy
Only a 10-minute bus ride away from IMD, Vidy beach is a beautiful sandy beach along Lake Geneva. There you can find public barbecues, music, and activities such as paddle boarding available for rental. Don’t forget your sunscreen as in summer, temperatures can reach upwards of 30°C.
Boat trip along the lake
For a romantic or a gourmet cruise or simply to cross Lake Geneva, the ships of the General Navigation Company are a must during summertime in Switzerland. Embark at Lausanne-Ouchy and travel to one of the forty ports on the Swiss or French shores of Lake Geneva. Chillon Castle is a must-see and quick tour when exploring Lake Geneva.
Hikes
Hiking is a staple in Swiss culture and lifestyle. Thanks to Lausanne’s exceptional location, many routes can be found close by that will take you through beautiful nature so you can truly experience the Swiss Alps. Some recommended hikes are La Tour de Gourze, Rochers-de-Naye, and for those with more experience, a hike up to Les Jumelles.
Sporting events
If you are the sporty type and want to see or participate in some sporting events, look no further than Lausanne. With its varying events, there is something for everyone. Wake up at 5:30AM and jog in a non-timed 5km run or watch the Ladies Open Lausanne in Vidy, a tournament guaranteed to delight any tennis fan.
