Geneva & the West - Discover Switzerland: Experience the Best of Switzerland - page 147

LAUSANNE
POP 128,200 / ELEV 495M
This hilly city (pronounced loh- san ), Switzerland's fifth largest, enjoys a blessed lakeside
location. The medieval centre is dominated by a grand Gothic cathedral and, among the
museums, its unusual Art Brut collection stands out. Throughout the year Lausanne's cit-
izens are treated to a busy arts calendar, while the lake drums up a plethora of activities on
and out of the water. Strolling the lakeshore in picturesque Ouchy (once a lakeside village
in its own right, long since enveloped by the city) is a pure pleasure, as is a meander day or
night around Flon, an area of formerly derelict warehouses rejuvenated as a hip urban
centre with a cinema complex, art galleries and trendy shops, and restaurants and bars
galore.
Sights & Activities
Downhill by the water in Ouchy , Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is the source of many a sport-
ing opportunity, including sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and swimming; the tourist of-
fice has details. Seasonal stands in front of Château d'Ouchy rent pedalos and kayaks, and
cycling and rollerblading are big on the silky-smooth waterfront promenades.