Selma Roth Saudi Gazette Is there a better way to start off the New Year than planning a holiday? If what you are looking for is some much-needed wellness and fun, consider a visit to Lausanne. Located at the northern most point of Lake Geneva or Lac Léman in French, Lausanne is part of the Swiss Riviera that stretches along the lake. This part of Switzerland has a milder climate than the rest of the country and has been a popular winter resort among writers and artists for the past 200 years or so. While Lausanne, with its 131,000 inhabitants (300,000 in the greater urban area) is only the fourth-largest city of Switzerland, it is much more cosmopolitan and dynamic than some of the country's bigger cities. The century-old presence of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) headquarters certainly helped the city become a multicultural hub, but Lausanne's growing reputation of a school-city – it is home to the Université de Lausanne, the Federal Institute of Technology, various international business management institutes, and the renowned Lausanne Hotel School – has contributed even more to this vibrant feel. When visiting the city in winter, Lausanne constitutes the ideal gateway to the world's best ski slopes in the alpine Canton of Valais as well as in the forests above the city, whereas in summer, water activities on Lake Geneva are a popular pastime among locals and tourists alike. However, in all seasons, Lausanne is a wonderful place for shopping, sightseeing, nightlife and wellness activities.
Exploring the town While Lausanne boasts of an excellent public transportation system including a 28-station metro system, exploring the city by foot is a much more fun– and occasionally challenging – way to get to know this historical town that started as a military camp, Lousanna, built by the Romans at the site of a Celtic settlement. As Lausanne is built on three hills, the streets can be quite steep. The flipside, however, are the numerous spots that offer magnificent views of the town, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. One such place is the hill on which the Cathedral of Lausanne is built. It is not difficult to imagine the challenges the construction of this enormous edifice on top of a hill must have faced. In fact, the building was constructed in different stages between 1170 and 1536. While various restorations took place after that, some medieval paintwork and statues are still visible. For the best views, climb up the cathedral tower. Exploring Lausanne by foot is also the perfect way to discover this predominantly car-free (and steep!) historical town. It is full of shops, cozy restaurants, as well as cafes and nightclubs. For the latter, the Flon area is a popular neighborhood among students to go out until the early hours of the morning. In and around Lausanne Lausanne offers plenty of activities both inside the town and in its surroundings. There are a vast number of museums, varying from the child- and teenager-friendly Olympic Museum to the Musée de l'Elysée for photography, the Lausanne Museum of History and the Collection de l'art brut that is completely dedicated to foreign art. Chocoholics can indulge their cravings at one of the many chocolatiers that offer tours for chocolate tasting as well as workshops where you create your own chocolate. One such authentic, organic and fair trade shop is Durig Chocolatier Lausanne (www.durig.ch). Another option is to hop on the GoldenPass panoramic train and experience a day trip with this “chocolate train”, which includes a visit to the Nestlé chocolate factory. Located directly east from Lausanne is the Lavaux region, which consists of 830 hectares of terraced vineyards and numerous medieval villages that stretch along the lake for some 14 kilometers until Vevey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Lavaux has one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes you can find. Benefiting from the mild climate, the reflection of the sun in the lake and the stone walls, the southern-facing terraces used to grow grapes, date back to the 11th Century, although some indicate that the Romans had already cultivated vines in the area. A leisurely way to explore the region is by taking a steamer from the port of Ouchy on the lakefront of Lausanne to Lutry or Cully, from which the Lavaux Express train departs (www.lavauxexpress.ch/en/) between April and October. Alternatively, put on your hiking boots and explore the region by foot. There are countless hikes possible through the vineyards. Check out the city's tourism website for a description and maps of two popular trails. (www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/loisirs/incontournables/vignoble-de-lavaux.html)
Alpine wellness Awarded the title of Olympic Capital in 1994, Lausanne not only boasts of numerous sports activities, but is also home to many spas and wellness centers where one can unwind body and mind. One such place, which has accommodated all presidents of the International Olympic Committee since 1980, is Lausanne Palace & Spa. Located just outside the old town, 500 meters from the railway station, this lavish hotel offers 146 rooms including 30 suites and junior suites with splendid views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Dating back to 1915, the hotel's rooms combine a classic style with contemporary touches, although some of its rooms are currently under renovation that will modernize furniture, bathrooms, floors and walls. The main reason to choose this hotel, however, is because of its 2,100 square meters of well-being. The CBE (Centre de Bien-être) Concept Spa based on the principles of Ayurveda, consists of a health club, indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, sauna and hammam, and hair spa. Recently, an organic and vegetarian Yogi Booster Bar was added to the center, ensuring guests will leave the spa completely fresh and rejuvenated.
How to get there? Lausanne is located only 40 minutes from Geneva airport by car or train. Saudi Arabian Airlines flies directly from Jeddah on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday; and from Riyadh on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air France make a stop in Frankfurt, Istanbul, or Paris, respectively. In general, Switzerland boasts of an excellent public transportation network, making it the ideal way to get around. Even the most remote villages are well connected by bus or train.
