Discover Lausanne
16 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Grand roue marché de Noêl
Seasonal Ferris wheel at Lausanne's Marché de Noël on Place de la Gare — a graphic subject of colorful cabins and lights against the alpine skyline and Lake Geneva. Best at blue hour and after dark when the wheel and market stalls glow; also shoot daytime for crisp silhouettes and panoramic views from the top. Very accessible by train/tram, paid rides, and nearby short-term parking; expect crowds evenings and weekends in December. No special entry besides market access; dress warm and watch for滑
Place de la Palud
Compact medieval square dominated by the ornate clock tower with animated figures, colorful façades, and a central fountain — ideal for architectural details, street scenes and candid urban life. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer crowds; lively market mornings add local character. Pedestrian-friendly and free to visit; limited street parking so use public transport. Cobblestones can be wet and reflective after rain.
Parcours sur l'histoire du CIO
Outdoor interpretive trail about the International Olympic Committee with sculptural plaques, info panels, and viewpoints around the Olympic Museum complex. Photographers can capture textured metalwork, athlete-themed sculptures, the museum’s modern architecture and framed views over Lake Geneva. Best in golden hour for warm light and lake reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Trail is outdoors, free to roam, largely step-free and close to paid parking at the museum and public transport (O-
Horloge de la Palud
Historic Horloge de la Palud sits on Lausanne’s lively Place de la Palud — a richly detailed clock façade and small tower framed by medieval buildings and cafés. Shoot close-ups of the ornate clock face and reliefs, wider compositions including the market square and surrounding arcades, or capture animated moments when the square is busy. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on stone; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Centrally accessible by metro/tram; limited street parking
Parc du Désert
Wooded park and open meadows on a hill above Lausanne offering panoramic views over the city, Lake Geneva and the Alps. Photograph mixed forest textures, seasonal colors, layered panoramas at golden hour and quiet path compositions. Easily reached by local bus or a short drive (limited parking); no entry fee. Best light at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light on trees and long shadows; spring and autumn give strongest color; weekdays are quieter.
L'Aurore
Picturesque promenade behind Lausanne’s theatre with classical sculptures, mature trees and sweeping views toward Lake Geneva and the Alps. Ideal for combining architectural details (L'Aurore sculpture and theatre façade) with waterscape and city panoramas. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on stone and reflections; weekdays or early mornings reduce tourist traffic. Easily reached on foot or by public transit; limited nearby parking. No entry fee; wheelchair-friendly paths alongthe
Fouilles romaines
Excavated Roman remains beside Lausanne Cathedral — low walls, foundations and mosaic fragments set into a compact urban archaeological site. Shoot textures, patterns and context shots framing ruins against the cathedral and surrounding medieval streets. Best light: early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; overcast for even texture detail. Site is small, on foot from the cathedral; limited free access but check opening times; cobbled streets limit parking—use nearby市
Coupole de Mon Repos
Small neoclassical dome pavilion set in Mon Repos park near Lake Geneva — strong symmetry, columns and curved lines make it ideal for architectural studies, detail shots and contextual park compositions. Easy public-access location (walkable from Lausanne center), free entry from the park, limited on-site parking (street/nearby lots). Best at early morning or late afternoon for warm side lighting and fewer visitors; overcast days bring even soft light for details. Combine pavilion shots with tre
Horloge du compte à rebours
A large public countdown clock on Place de la Navigation by Lake Geneva — a minimalist modern landmark that contrasts with the lake, promenade and distant Alps. No entry fee, easily reached from Ouchy by metro or on foot; limited street parking. Best at sunrise/golden hour or blue hour for reflections and dramatic sky; weekdays are quieter. Wheelchair-accessible plaza; dress for lake breeze.
Parc de la Légende
A compact city park with mature trees, winding paths, seasonal flowerbeds and framed views over Lausanne neighborhoods — a calm green space for intimate landscapes, detail shots of foliage and park architecture. Best light is at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-light and long shadows; spring and autumn give strongest color. Easily reachable by public transport and short walk from central Lausanne; free entry. Weekday mornings are least crowded; limited on‑street parking nearby.
Parc de la Tour Grise
Small hilltop park centered on a medieval grey tower with sweeping views over Lausanne and Lake Geneva. Photograph the tower against sky, layered cityscape and lake vistas at golden or blue hour. Easily reached by foot or local bus from central Lausanne; no entry fee. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings minimize locals. Limited street parking nearby—use public transport. The site combines historic architecture with urban panorama and seasonal foliage.
Fontaine du Palais de Justice
A neoclassical stone fountain in front of Lausanne’s Palais de Justice — strong architectural lines, sculpted figures and flowing water offer close-up texture and context shots with the courthouse as backdrop. Best shot at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and contrast; weekday mornings have fewer pedestrians. Public, no entry fee; limited street parking nearby and easy access on foot or tram. Quiet civic setting with restrained ornamentation ideal for formal compositions.
Place de la Fontaine de Cuivre
Small historic square centered on a distinctive copper fountain — great for intimate architectural details, water reflections and life in Lausanne's old town. Best at golden hour or after dusk when bronze warms and lights come on. Easily walkable from Lausanne Cathedral; limited parking nearby (street or public lots). Accessible on foot or by public transport; no entry fee. Weekday mornings offer quiet compositions; respect local residents and cafés.
Brunnen Place de la Louve
Small historic fountain (Brunnen) at Place de la Louve in central Lausanne — photogenic close-up water details and charming urban context with Belle Époque façades. Easy walk from tram stops; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm stone and streetlights contrast with flowing water. Weekday mornings are quieter; limited street parking, use public transit. Accessible for most photographers.
Brunnen Orchidee
Small ornamental fountain (Brunnen Orchidee) on Rue de l'Ale in central Lausanne — ideal for intimate urban details: sculptural forms, water motion and reflections against city stone. Public, free and easily reachable by tram/bus; no entry required. Best visited at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and contrasted highlights; weekday mornings are quieter. Limited street parking — use public transport. A good stop on a walking route through Lausanne's historic center.
Burial place of Pierre de Coubertin
Quiet gravesite in Lausanne's Bois-de-Vaux cemetery honoring Pierre de Coubertin. Shoot the sculpted tomb, surrounding formal plots and mature trees for a contemplative, historical portrait. Best at golden hour or overcast light for soft shadows. Cemetery is public, walkable; park nearby on Chemin du Bois-de-Vaux. Observe respectful distance and quiet; avoid posing on graves.