Lausanne

Lausanne () is a city in the French-speaking part of Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva (French: Lac Léman) across from Évian-les-Bains, France and about 60 km northeast of Geneva. It is the capital of the canton of Vaud. Population (as of December 2003): 126,766. It lies in the middle of a wine-growing region.

History

The Romans built a military camp, which they called Lousanna at the site of a Celtic settlement. The city which grew from the camp was ruled by the Dukes of Savoy and the Bishop of Lausanne, and then by Berne from 1536 to 1798. In 1803, it became the capital of a newly formed Swiss canton, Vaud.

Geography

of Lausanne

The most important geographical feature of the area surrounding Lausanne is the Lake Geneva, also called Lac Léman. The north shore of the lake rises to a plateau. Lausanne is built against the side of this plateau, with about 500 meters of elevation difference from the lake shore at Ouchy and its northern edge bordering Le Mont sur Lausanne. Lausanne boasts dramatic views of the lake, and of the Alps.

The area surrounding Lausanne is an extensive wine-growing region, stretching all along the north (Swiss) shore of the lake, known as Lavaux.

Education

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne)
University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne)
École hôtelière de Lausanne
Culture

Sporting activities are very popular in Lausanne, with water sports available on the nearby lake and mountaineering in the nearby mountains. Cycling is also a popular pastime, with the vineyards in the surrounding hills providing spectacular views and challenging routes. There is an annual marathon, road cycling race GP Lausanne, and a triathlon competition. among other things.

The Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne and the Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne provide a diverse and rich musical life. The latter has been under the direction of Michel Corboz for many years.

Each summer, the City festival, or Fête de la Cite is held at the beginning of July. There are also film festivals, and the Bach Festival, Le Festival et Concours Bach de Lausanne follows La Nuit de Musées ("Night of the Museums") in the fall season.

Lausanne has a lively alternative culture, with much of it centered around the relatively numerous "occupied spaces" and universities. Most notable among these are l'Espace Autogéré and le Chien Rouge, both on avenue César-Roux as well as Trashland and Cuyo's Headquarters. The latter is the only place serving exclusively vegan dinners daily in Switzerland.

Lausanne is also the site of many museums:

The Olympic Museum

Cabinet des Médailles cantonal

Collection de l'Art brut (Art Brut Collection)

Espace Arlaud

Espace des Inventions (Science Center for Kids)

Fondation de l'Hermitage (Hermitage Foundation)

Fondation Claude Verdan - Musée de la main (Museum of the Hand)

Fondation du vivarium de Lausanne

Forum d'architectures de Lausanne

Forum de l'Hôtel de Ville (Forum of the Town Hall)

Musée cantonal d'Archéologie et d'Hitoire (Cantonal Museum of Archeology and History)