Lausanne is a dynamic and picturesque location and after a year in the MBA program, many of our students are inspired to want to stay for longer! If you are thinking about applying to IMD for your MBA program, we invite you to join one of our official campus visits and take some time to discover the beauty and diversity of the surrounding area.
The IMD campus is located right next to Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) in a region that has much to offer, including a super-efficient transport system that makes everything easy to access.
Ouchy and its lakeside walk
Cross the street to walk along the Ouchy lakeside while admiring the view over the lake to the Alps. In sunny weather, walkways are animated with joggers, cyclists, and people rollerblading and strolling. Treat yourself to an ice cream and walk along the lakeside to the Olympic Museum, an interactive attraction that takes you on a journey through the history of the Olympic Games, an absolute must for lovers of sport.
Lake cruise
A short cruise on one of the Compagnie Générale de Navigation’s famous steamboats can take you to destinations such as Château de Chillon, Montreux (home of the famous Montreux Jazz Festival in July), Vevey (home of Nestlé headquarters and Chaplin’s World), and the French shores.
Lausanne
Hop on the metro for a 10-minute ride to the heart of Lausanne, Flon. In a modern and innovative setting, this district of former warehouses was rehabilitated with a wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, cinemas, bowling, and exhibition spaces. Local ‘chocolaterie’ offer tempting tastes of the world-renowned Swiss chocolate, and in winter, fondue or raclette are typical cheese dishes worth trying.
Old town
Lausanne Cathedral has a reputation as one of the most beautiful Gothic art monuments in Europe. The 224 steps to the top of the belfry will be quickly forgotten as you contemplate the breathtaking view over the town, lake, and Alps!
From the cathedral, take the Escaliers du Marche, a covered stairway that dates back to 1717, down to the Place de la Palud. Here you will find the town’s oldest Renaissance-style fountain, and a clock that presents the history of Vaud in animated scenes every hour from 9:00 to 19:00. Typical cafés, boutiques, and shops complement this pedestrianized district.
Staying for longer?
Lavaux vineyards – enjoy some wine tasting in this UNESCO World Heritage site, a unique area for walks on steep paths with fantastic views.
Ski weekend – hop on a train and in just over an hour you can be hitting the slopes to get some skiing in during your stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lausanne!
