The university town of Lausanne is known for its steeply pitched streets where stone buildings are topped by barrel-tile roofs. A gorgeous 12th-century cathedral overlooks it all. Situated on three hills near the placid waters of Lake Geneva, Lausanne has vineyards on the nearby slopes and the snow-capped Alpen peaks in the horizon. This stretch of Lake Geneva, between Geneva and Montreux, has attracted many writers, artists and musicians since the days of Shelley and Lord Byron.
Charlie Chaplin lived the last decades of his life in Vevey, not far from Lausanne. French-speaking Lausanne has long been a center of arts and education. However, most people here speak English as a second language. There are lots of cultural events, especially when it comes to music. The nightlife is lively because of the presence of so many students, and clubs are open to younger people beer at 16, liquor at Weekenders from Geneva hop the train to swell the ranks of the all-night partiers, as this city is considered to be much more fun.
Geneva International Airport has speedy rail connections to just about everywhere in Switzerland. See Cff. In Lausanne there are buses and subway trains that leave every seven or eight minutes at peak times. Walking is also an option, but the steep hills make some streets difficult.
See the English language pages of Transports Publics for bus and Metro information. Neighborhoods Avenue de Tivoli, on the hill to the west of the train station, has a cluster of gay business.
Tivoli becomes Avenue Jules Gonin as it makes its way to the center of the city. Most other clubs of interest are a short walk away, continuing eastbound. Descending to Place Saint-Francois, you can walk, take the subway, or hop a cab. Money The Swiss Franc is the currency. ATM machines are everywhere, and currency exchange offices are common but exchange rates vary. Shop around and avoid those that charge a commission.
