CityStyle: Lausanne | The Times
The Times | March 2010
City style: Lausanne, Switzerland
Skiing above Villars, near Lausanne
What to see and do in this fine city in a spectacular Alpine setting.
By Laura Ivill
Tribeca
When you’ve seen the sites of the old town and indulged in some shopping, head to Tribeca for a reviving cocktail or glass of wine. The club chairs are so comfy you might want to settle in with a bottle, or perch at the bar for people-watching. The restaurant serves light Mediterranean dishes.
Place de la Riponne 4 (00 41 21 311 1133; tribeca-lausanne.ch).
L’Accademia
L’Accademia, in an 18th-century building that is one of the most eye-catching in the city, serves classic Italian dishes bursting with freshness and flavour. Eat on the terrace overlooking the lake or in its inviting interior, where Murano-glass lights spill a flattering glow.
Hôtel Angleterre & Résidence, Place du Port 11 (00 41 21 613 3434;angleterre-residence.ch/uk).
Olivier François Ausoni
This cool, airy boutique ranging over four floors is a Lausanne institution, selling its seasonal edit of the best from the global style brands, including Tod’s, Burberry, Shanghai Tang, Jil Sander, Missoni and Diane von Furstenberg.
Place St-François 5 (00 41 21 312 9412; olivierfrancoisausoni.com).
Junior suite, Beau-Rivage Palace
Beau-Rivage Palace hotel
In its 150-year history, the Beau-Rivage has welcomed Coco Chanel, Noël Coward and Nelson Mandela, but it moves with the times – its Cinq Mondes spa is ultra-contemporary and three-Michelin-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic creates modern interpretations of family dishes. The uninterrupted view from your balcony of the towering Swiss Alps across Lake Geneva is worth the room rate alone.
Place du Port 17-19 (00 41 21 613 3333; brp.ch).
Moutarlier
If you have a weakness for patisserie, you will crumble at the displays from the king of cakes, Lucien Moutarlier. Macaroons are popular in Lausanne, or try the light but rich caramel éclairs or rum baba. Sit and feast a while at a café table or choose individual chocolates to take away as gifts.
Place de la Palud 7 (00 41 21 320 0062; moutarlier.ch).
Jardin Botanique
The Botanical Garden is a relaxing stopping-off point on any walk from Lake Geneva to the city centre, which is located on the slopes above. It has an abundance of flowers and trees, with almost 6,000 plants of all kinds – alpine, medicinal and tropical. Catch your breath and marvel at the views across the harbour.
Avenue de Cour 14bis (musees-vd.ch/fr/musee-et-jardins-botaniques).
City Style is edited by Laura Lovett