Living in Lausanne : top neighbourhoods and the local arts scene

Lausanne, the gem of the Lake Geneva region, boasts a beautifully restored old town and a fantastic lakefront around the lively harbour of Ouchy. Its stellar views of the Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc make the city even more appealing, and it’s a great place to live, work or study in.

While the city grew up around its stunning cathedral and it still boasts a typical historic quarter, a number of plans for the future are taking shape, such as the establishment of a new museographic centre and several contemporary architecture projects. Lausanne is not just a city of art and history; it’s also an up-and-coming place to live. Are you thinking about moving there? Here’s a detailed guide to the city. 

Top sights and attractions

Lausanne’s gothic cathedral is naturally one of the city’s unmissable sights. The beautiful edifice is perched on the hillside, which forms a balcony overlooking Lake Geneva, with its elevated position providing breathtaking views of the Alps. The whole picturesque district has been beautifully restored and remains a bustling and lively place to this day. In the historic quarter, the spectacular Place de la Palud awaits you, together with the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), a 16th fountain and a whole array of bourgeois houses. The surrounding sloping streets connecting the cathedral to the station area offer an attractive shopping experience.

Don’t miss the magnificent Palais de Rumine, which houses Lausanne’s library. The city has a wealth of museums. Among the most prestigious is the MUDAC, a museum of contemporary applied arts, the History Museum and the well-known Olympic Museum. It is housed in a classic lakeside villa, surrounded by a lush green park. If you’re looking to relax and get out and about in nature, you’re spoilt for choice as Lausanne has a number of meticulously tended parks to relax in, including the Parc de Milan, the Parc sur la Colline de Montriond and the Parc de Mont-Repos, to name just three. Lastly, don’t forget the delightful Ouchy district, which is situated down below the rail station. It’s one of the jewels of Lausanne and sits on the lakefront, with an attractive promenade and tree-lined quays.

Reasons to move to Lausanne certainly include the appeal of the Lake, its medieval cathedral and its bustling waterfront. Another is the majestic shores of the Lavaux, with its terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, and its small, quaint villages. UNESCO has recognised the whole Lavaux area as a World Heritage Site.  Of course, the city is a perfect venue to pursue advanced education – either at the university, the well-known business school or the equally famous hotel school.

Where should you live in Lausanne ?

Lausanne has 18 separate districts, each with their own unique vibe, and so everyone should be able to find somewhere to suit. The city centre is the most densely populated area. It’s a bustling and lively area, popular with young people. It’s also a major business hub, accounting for 40% of the city’s jobs. Since it has only 11% of the housing portfolio, rental properties can sometimes be in high demand.

The Ouchy and Sous-Gare districts are the mirror image of the centre, with the largest number of pensioners. Montoie-Bourdonnette is the perfect location for those studying at the University of Lausanne. The district has a cosmopolitan feel and is popular with young people. Sébeillon, another western district, is probably experiencing the strongest growth at present. Formerly an industrial zone, it is currently becoming more residential.

To the north, Sauvabelin is a district with a low population density. It boasts an abundance of detached houses, with its lush green environment a big draw for families. To the north-east, Chailly Rovéréaz is a middle-class, less densely populated area with an appealing, village-like atmosphere. East of Lausanne, Florimont Chissiez has an eye-catching range of older housing. It’s no surprise that the area is attracting more and more residents with its views of the Lavaux hills and shoreline.

Rents in the Lausanne market vary significantly. You might be able to find a studio in Montolivet for between CHF 600 and CHF 900 per month, but for a 1-room apartment in Ouchy or Sous Gare, you would need to pay up to CHF 1,500. For a 3-room apartment, expect a rent closer to CHF 2,000.

In Lausanne’s rental market, not having a rental guarantee is a deal-breaker !

Vous envisagez d’habiter à Lausanne ? Vous pensez avoir trouvé le logement de vos rêves ? Votre bailleur va vous demander une caution de loyer. Celle-ci est plafonnée par la loi suisse à 3 mois de loyer, à déposer sur un compte bancaire pour toute la durée de la location. Vous ne pouvez avancer 4 mois de loyer ? Vous préférez utiliser autrement votre argent plutôt que de l’immobiliser ?

If so, we would recommend you arrange a guarantee solution without a bank deposit. In return for a sign-up fee, followed by an annual premium, SwissCaution can provide you with a rental guarantee that will enable you to sign the lease straight away. It’s straightforward, rapid and effective, and you can set it up online !

Discover the benefits of SwissCaution’s rental guarantee.