Postcard from Lausanne

In 2016, after 33 years away from the soaring Swiss Alps and its imperial pedigree, the WTA returned to Gstaad to join its ATP brother tournament, the Swiss Open Gstaad. However, after stints in Lugano, Geneva, and Lucerne—as well as a name change from the Swiss Open to the European Open—the Ladies Open Lausanne finally settled in the Olympic capital in 2019.

Where to play tennis

Lausanne offers world-class facilities for those looking to hit the courts in a professional setting.

Tennis Club Stade-Lausanne: Situated in Vidy, a central neighbourhood of Lausanne, the Tennis Club Stade-Lausanne features a clubhouse built to overlook a central court that has hosted legends like Rod Laver and Nicola Pietrangeli.
National Training Centre: In the late 1960s, the Lausanne Tennis Association (ALT) combined the city's three main clubs—TC Lausanne Sports, TC Stade-Lausanne, and TC Montchoisi—bringing the total court count to nineteen. The club has served as a national training centre and famously hosted the Ebel Classic.

What to see

Lausanne boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, and theatres.

Collection de l’Art Brut: For those in town for the tennis, take a stroll to the Collection de l’Art Brut on Avenue des Bergières. This gallery showcases works by self-taught artists, offering a fascinating insight into creative expressions outside the boundaries of mainstream art.
The Olympic Museum: As the Olympic capital, a visit to The Olympic Museum is essential for any sports enthusiast, featuring extensive exhibits on the history of the Games.
Cultural Festivals: The city also hosts the Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival (LUFF) in October and the Lausanne Lumières light festival across November and December.

Shop

The heart of Lausanne lies in its historic Old Town, known as La Cité, a charming district defined by its steep cobblestone streets.

La Cité and Les Boutiques du Château: Located near the Lausanne Cathedral, this area is home to stylish boutiques like Memories, which stocks the latest Swiss streetwear brands.
High-End Retail: For those seeking international luxury, a short walk will lead you to Louis Vuitton and The Kooples, perfect for picking up something stylish for the tournament finals.

Eat, drink and be merry

Lausanne’s culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from rustic Swiss fare to Michelin-starred Mediterranean mastery.

Pinte Besson: Opened in 1780, Pinte Besson is the oldest tavern in Lausanne. Located in the Old Town, it is the premier spot for hearty Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and raclette, served under beautiful vaulted ceilings.
La Table du Lausanne Palace: Situated within the Lausanne Palace hotel, this restaurant is celebrated for its mastery of Mediterranean cuisine and world-class service.
Café du Grütli: For a slow morning in the city centre, Café du Grütli serves delicious breakfast and brunch options, from fresh croissants to savoury eggs Benedict.
Local Wine: Lausanne is in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards. If you see a bottle of Chasselas on the menu, opt for it; the grapes are grown on the nearby terraced slopes overlooking Lake Geneva.

Sleep

Lausanne is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty and well-appointed accommodations that suit various budgets.

Beau-Rivage Palace: This iconic hotel offers 168 elegant rooms, a world-class spa, and beautifully landscaped gardens directly on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lausanne Palace: Located in the city centre, the Lausanne Palace features rooms with decorative fireplaces and four distinct restaurants, including a refined Japanese eatery.
Hôtel Angleterre & Résidence: Spread over four English-style pavilions on the coast of the lake, this hotel features L’Accademia, where the terrace takes on the atmosphere of a lively Italian square.
Hotel Continental Lausanne: A budget-friendly option in the city centre, the Hotel Continental provides clean rooms and easy access to public transport and the tennis facilities.