Just an hour and a half away from the UK lies the pretty as a postcard town of Lausanne. After a quick flight and a comfortable forty-five minute train journey from Geneva airport, I stepped onto the steep slopes and cobbled hills of the fourth largest city in Switzerland excited to explore. However as the law states* you can’t possibly begin sight-seeing on an empty stomach, so lunch at the quaint Cafe de Gruti was first on the agenda and what a treat it was.
*It’s my own made-up law but I reckon it will soon catch on.
The friendly waiter expertly lit the fondue pan and explained some of the must-do things in this French-speaking town. I have to admit I may have zoned out as my attention was fixed on the gloriously melted gruyere cheese that bubbled away, platters of dried meat, pots of gherkins and hunks of crusty bread begging to be dipped into the molten dairy lava. This cheesy feast was followed by a local delicacy of sausage stuffed with cauliflower and a delicious side of creamy leeks and potatoes. It was the perfect welcome to start the weekend.
If you don’t have much time in a city then I’d recommend joining a walking tour as the perfect way to get a snapshot of what’s on offer, as well as helping you quickly get your bearings! I met a lovely local lady called Ellis who took me around the sprawling town and helped me to work off that giant lunch.
I’d been told that the women in Lausanne have some of the best legs in the world as their calves and thighs have been shaped from continuously trekking up and down the steep roads of this city. I spotted one woman in high heels trying to show the cobbles who was boss as she sauntered past at a dangerous angle, looking precariously close to snapping an ankle.
We carefully headed around the picturesque old town full of quaint three story houses, copper piping lattice work, blooming bright geranium window pots and steep cobbled streets. The cathedral takes centre stage at the top of the town with stunning views both inside and out.
Then it was onto the modern side of the city. The contrast between the gleaming cubed buildings and the old sandy cobbles was incredible, it was as if these two worlds belonged to separate cities, not that there was just a five minute walk between them.
The area where all the hip youngsters flock to is known as Quartier du Flon, what was once a dingy industrial zone has been injected with colour, life and has a real buzz about it. If you’re looking for a swanky cocktail bar, edgy nightclub or just attractive people watching then this part of the town is for you.
After a spot of window shopping and soaking up the atmosphere, Ellis revealed that she had arranged a Swiss chocolate tasting experience at one of the many chocolate shops in the town. As proud chocoholic I soon forgot about how full I was from lunch and eagerly followed her to indulge my sweet tooth.
Smells of cocoa, caramel and sweet sugars invited us into La Chocolatiere, an award-winning chocolate boutique where hand-made delicate treats filled the shelves and full fridges. From chocolate spread, hot chocolate drinks and chocolate statues, this place would have got Willy Wonka excited. I got to sample their prize-winning hand-crafted chocolates that melted in my mouth and took a quick look around their surprisingly small kitchens. Chocoholics Rejoice!
This day of indulging my inner foodie was complete with a trip to Brasserie de Montbenon, a Swiss-French restaurant hidden in a lush park. Built in 1908 this majestic restaurant has views of Lake Geneva through it’s huge windows and offers food-to-die-for served with a stunning view.
I started with a buttery pork pie and creamy mushroom vol-au-vent. The main of pork served with super creamy mash and garlic oiled green beans was one of those dishes where you never want it to end. The only slight problem is this place doesn’t have an english menu and the waiter didn’t have a great grasp of the language, I managed to get by thanks to my mediocre French skills but it may be tricky for others. Or it may mean you have one of those surprising meals where you never quite know what you’re going to be served. Sometimes, I like those meals the best!
I think Switzerland will be the reason I come home with my jeans feeling a little tighter but hey, when in Rome and all that! Part 2 of my Lausanne trip taking in vineyards, steamboats and even more Swiss cuisine will be coming tomorrow.
A huge thanks to the Lausanne Tourism board for hosting me, as always all views are 100% my own.
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