About the Port
Rising in terraces above Lake Geneva, Lausanne pairs medieval charm with cosmopolitan polish. Its old town, crowned by a 12th-century Gothic cathedral often ranked among Switzerland's finest, invites unhurried wandering through cobbled streets, quiet squares, and cafés tucked into centuries-old buildings. Below, the Ouchy waterfront offers a leisurely promenade with views across the lake toward the French Alps, a favorite spot for early strolls or a relaxed pause between excursions.
Beyond the city, the surrounding region opens onto some of Switzerland's most storied landscapes. Lake steamers cross toward the turreted Chateau de Chillon on the water's edge, while mountain trains climb through vineyard terraces toward Montreux and the alpine village of Gstaad. The old town sits an easy walk from the lakefront, making Lausanne a practical base for combining a compact historic core with wider Alpine and lakeside excursions.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Lausanne.
Climb Notre Dame Cathedral
Switzerland's finest Gothic cathedral crowns the old town; climb the tower for sweeping views over rooftops to the lake and Alps beyond, then wander the cobbled streets around it.
Cruise to Chateau de Chillon
A lake steamer glides along the shoreline to this turreted medieval castle at the water's edge, one of Europe's most photographed fortresses; allow a half-day round trip with time to explore inside.
Stroll the Ouchy Promenade
Lausanne's lakefront walkway offers easy strolling with views across Lake Geneva to the French Alps, plus cafés and gardens perfect for a relaxed pause before or after inland excursions.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Lausanne
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $6,910 | |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $6,910 | |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $6,378 | |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $6,378 | |
| Apr 20, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $7,623 | |
| May 15, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $7,723 | |
| May 15, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $7,723 | |
| Jul 13, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $6,763 | |
| Aug 24, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 11 | $7,060 |