Lausanne: Elegance, olympic spirit, and cultural treasures

Faster, higher, stronger: visiting the Lausanne Palace, over whose entrances hangs a flag with the Olympic rings, with a muscular Labrador. The hotel is a dream destination for all dogs, from the sporty to the pleasure-oriented. Fortunately, chocolate, cheese and wine doping for the master is legal here.

With its imposing neo-baroque architecture and sprawling, verdant gardens, the Palace, as it is known locally, has remained a sought-after destination for over 160 years for those seeking an indulgent experience in one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking settings.

During the Belle Époque, English aristocrats discovered the ‘Swiss Riviera’ between Montreux and Geneva as a tourist spot famed for its promenades lined with cypress and palm trees against the backdrop of the Alps. And now it’s a hotspot for connoisseurs thanks to its traditional grand hotels, world-class restaurants and idyllic Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.

A hidden gem nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Geneva, where culture, nature, and history intertwine. Wander through its charming streets, experience its rich arts scene, and savour the finest Swiss cuisine, all while basking in the breathtaking vistas of the Alps.

Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary creations are a lot like her elegant, harmonious and inspiring. That makes sense given that this French chef believes that a cook’s personality is always reflected in the food they serve up.

Pocket-sized but cosmopolitan, Lausanne blends big-city flair with small town tranquility. Watching the world go by from the terrace of the Hôtel de Ville, with its pretty timber facade and storied interiors you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Paris.