Discovering Little Lausanne
When Zach first began exploring MBA programs, I couldn’t help but imagine life in some of Europe’s most iconic cities - London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan. These big, bustling hubs have always held a special place in my heart. So, when the final decision led us to Lausanne, Switzerland, I was intrigued but admittedly hesitant. A quick Google search didn’t reveal much beyond a lake, French-speaking locals, and a connection to the Olympics. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight but I was willing to give it a chance.
Now, after a few months of living here, I can confidently say: Lausanne has completely charmed us. This hilly, picturesque city has a way of weaving itself into your heart—and we’ve become utterly obsessed.
The view from the Cathedral, overlooking the city, lake, and the mountains in France.
A Glimpse Into Lausanne’s History
I am not going to bore you with a full National Geographic history lesson but here is a little bit to help you get to know the city! Lausanne, the fourth-largest city in Switzerland, sits like a postcard come to life on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), nestled in between the Jura Mountains to the north and the French Alps across the lake. Just 50 minutes from Geneva by train, Lausanne has views of France across the lake and terraced vineyards in nearby Lavaux. As Zach and I consider ourselves wine aficionados, taking Sunday strolls in the vineyards has been a dream come true!
Lausanne is often called the Olympic Capital, a title well-deserved as it’s home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and nearly 40 international sports organizations. The city’s love for athletics is palpable, with the iconic Olympic rings adorning logos, monuments, and even the vibe of the city itself. The amount of constant activity in the city is unbelievable, with lakeside runs, summer swims, and skiing a quick train ride away, we are never bored!
As for its roots, Lausanne’s story is steeped in history. It began as a Celtic settlement before evolving into a Roman military camp near today’s neighborhoods of Vidy and Ouchy. After the Western Roman Empire fell, the inhabitants moved uphill for safety, and by the 11th century, Lausanne was a thriving hub of politics, economy, and religion. The pinnacle of its medieval glory is the Lausanne Cathedral, completed in the late 12th century and consecrated by Pope Gregory X and King Rudolf I of Germany. \
The city still pays homage to its medieval roots with the tradition of having a Night Watchman who calls the hour from 10pm-2 am. Lausanne is one of the last cities in the world to have a Night Watchman and I recommend reading more about this incredible tradition, here.
But like all stories, Lausanne’s wasn’t without conflict. In 1536, the canton of Bern invaded, stripping the cathedral of its Roman Catholic treasures—many of which have yet to be returned. Despite such trials, Lausanne and its canton, Vaud, eventually joined the Swiss Federation in 1803, becoming part of the Switzerland we know today.
A City of Hills, Neighborhoods, and Endless Charm
One of Lausanne’s defining traits is its landscape. The city climbs 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the lakeshore to its northernmost edge, a feature you’ll quickly notice while strolling—or huffing—your way up its cobblestone streets. A question I am frequently asked is if we drive and the answer is no! We do not own a car here so we have had to adapt to walking these hills every day! Thankfully, Lausanne has a metro system, making it the smallest city in the world with a rapid transit network, though good walking shoes are still a must! A pro-tip when visiting Lausanne, is to take the metro to the highest point you are going and then walk down…the views are not only breathtaking but your knees will thank you!
Lausanne’s neighborhoods each offer their own unique vibe. Ouchy and Vidy are along the lakeshore, perfect for leisurely walks, waterside picnics, or catching a boat to France. Flon has a modern flair and is a go-to for trendy cafés and nightlife. Meanwhile, Cité and Grancy mix history and charm, with winding streets and old-world architecture begging to be explored.
One of my favorite parts of Lausanne is that the city pulses with activity, from the vibrant open-air markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays to a calendar full of festivals. And when you need a dose of nature, Switzerland’s incredible train system makes it easy to escape to nearby mountains for hiking or skiing - just 30 to 45 minutes away.
Falling in Love With Lausanne
At first, the idea of moving to a city a fraction of the size of our hometown gave me pause. But Lausanne’s balance of serenity, history, and adventure has captivated us in ways we never expected. From a Sunday stroll with breathtaking views of Lac Léman, to weekend festivals infusing the city with fresh excitement, we are busier than we ever expected to be!
