Discover the charming streets and landmarks of Lausanne on a 3-hour guided walking tour that combines history, culture, and delicious chocolate. Starting at the Palais de Rumine, this small-group experience offers visits to major sites such as Château Saint-Maire and Cathedral Notre-Dame, along with exclusive tastings at a historic chocolate shop. The tour concludes with a ride on Lausanne’s driverless metro, taking you from the city center to the lakeside Ouchy district for relaxing views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the mix of city exploration, cultural insights, and indulgent chocolate tastings. It’s designed for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and want a comprehensive taste of Lausanne’s history and modern innovations. One thing to consider is that the tour involves moderate walking, so comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old.

Key Points

Duration: 3 hours, starting at flexible times; check availability
Highlights: Historic landmarks, chocolate tastings, driverless metro ride, lakeside views
Includes: Expert local guide, artisan chocolate tastings, scenic metro ticket, small group experience
Stops: Château Saint-Maire, Cathedral Notre-Dame, Palais de Rumine, Ouchy district
Physical level: Moderate walking, comfortable shoes recommended
End point: Ouchy lakeside district, with easy metro access back to city center

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at the Palais de Rumine in Lausanne

The tour kicks off in front of the Palais de Rumine, a grand building completed in 1902 and home to multiple museums. This centrally located starting point makes it easy to join after arriving in Lausanne. The guide leads you through a series of engaging visits and walks, setting the tone with stories about the city’s architecture and history.

The Palais de Rumine serves as a perfect introduction to Lausanne’s cultural richness. Inside, the museums showcase art, archaeology, zoology, and geology, but during the tour, the focus is on the architecture and historical significance of the building itself. The guide provides insights into its Florentine Renaissance style and the bequest from Gabriel de Rumine that made it possible.

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Exploring Château Saint-Maire and Notre-Dame Cathedral

From the Palais de Rumine, the group proceeds to Château Saint-Maire, built between 1397 and 1430. The guide highlights its medieval architecture and explains its role as the residence of the Bishops of Lausanne. Although the visit is from outside, the structure’s historic importance is made clear through engaging commentary.

Next, the Cathedral Notre-Dame takes center stage. As Switzerland’s largest gothic church, it impresses with soaring arches and stained glass windows. Visitors are encouraged to admire the panoramic views from the cathedral’s esplanade, offering a sweeping perspective of the city and surrounding Alps.

A charming part of this section is the descent along the Escalier du Marché, an 18th-century covered wooden staircase linking the cathedral to bustling market streets below. The guide shares stories about the lively history of these streets, lined with boutiques and cozy cafés.

Walking through Lausannes Historic Shopping Streets

The tour continues along Rue du Bourg, a historic shopping street filled with luxury boutiques and lively cafés. The well-preserved townhouses along this route reveal the city’s architectural heritage. This lively area captures the everyday spirit of Lausanne, blending history with modern life.

While strolling, the guide points out notable buildings and shares stories about the city’s development as Switzerland’s Olympic Capital. This insight helps visitors understand how Lausanne balances its rich past with its present-day vibrancy.

Visiting the Palais de Rumine’s Museums

A highlight is the guided tour of the Palais de Rumine’s interior, where visitors see its majestic halls and learn about the various museums housed inside. These collections include fine arts, archaeology, zoology, and geology, making it a cultural treasure trove. The palace’s architecture, with its stately staircase and ornate interiors, offers perfect photo opportunities.

This stop is especially engaging for those interested in arts and sciences. The guide explains the significance of each collection and how the building’s Renaissance style enhances its grandeur, making it an ideal spot for culture lovers and photographers alike.

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Indulging at Durig Chocolatier

One of the tour’s sweetest moments is a visit to Durig Chocolatier, a renowned local chocolate producer established as one of Lausanne’s oldest. Here, artisan chocolates are crafted from organic, high-quality ingredients. The two included tastings let visitors sample a variety of truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars.

Durig’s chocolates are celebrated for their handmade quality and unique flavors, reflecting Lausanne’s chocolate-making tradition. The guide explains the secrets behind the chocolates and the organic approach that makes Durig a standout in the city’s confectionery scene.

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Scenic Views from the Esplanade de Montbenon

Following the chocolate tasting, the tour heads to the Esplanade de Montbenon, a lush green space offering sweeping views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The guide points out landmarks such as the Casino de Montbenon and Palais de Justice, while visitors enjoy the peaceful gardens.

This spot provides a calm break and fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and water. It’s an ideal place to relax and appreciate the scenic beauty that Lausanne offers.

Riding the World’s First Driverless Metro

A unique feature of this tour is the ride on Lausanne’s driverless metro system. The included metro ticket takes you from the city’s historic center down to the lakeside district of Ouchy, showcasing the city’s innovative spirit. The modern, automated metro system provides a glimpse into Lausanne’s technological advancements.

The metro ride is short but offers a fascinating contrast to the historic walking sections. It’s an efficient, practical way to experience local transportation and enjoy the scenery from above ground in the lakeside district.

Exploring Ouchy and the Lakeside District

The tour concludes in Ouchy, a picturesque lakeside area famous for its waterfront promenade and views of Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Visitors can stroll along the water, relax by the lakeside, or visit the nearby Olympic Museum.

Ouchy’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place to wind down after the busy walking and sightseeing. The area also offers convenient access back to the city center via the metro, which is included in the tour.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour begins in front of the main entrance of Palais de Rumine at Riponne Square, with options to arrive via Riponne – Maurice Bejard metro station. It ends back at the same meeting point, providing a straightforward start and finish. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personalized experience.

The price includes the guided tour, all site visits, artisan chocolate tastings, a scenic metro ride, and a 1-hour public transport ticket for return travel. It’s a flexible activity with cancelations allowed up to 24 hours in advance, and the live English guide makes it accessible for visitors from various backgrounds.

This 3-hour tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Lausanne, combining history, culture, and culinary delights. The balance of site visits, tastings, and modern transport makes for a dynamic experience suitable for travelers seeking both education and enjoyment.

While the tour involves moderate walking, it remains accessible for most, provided that comfortable shoes are worn. The inclusion of artisan chocolates and a scenic metro ride adds special touches that elevate the experience beyond typical city tours.

The guided storytelling by an experienced local adds depth to each site, making this tour particularly appealing for those interested in learning about Lausanne’s past and present. For visitors who want a concise yet immersive overview, this tour provides a practical and charming way to explore the Olympic Capital of Switzerland.

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Lausanne: Walking Tour with Chocolate Tastings & Metro

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, visits to major landmarks, artisanal chocolate tastings, the scenic metro ride, and a 1-hour public transport ticket.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, with moderate walking and no specific mention of child-friendly activities, but it can be suitable for older children comfortable with walking.

Does the tour involve any physical challenges?
There is moderate walking involved, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in front of Palais de Rumine at Riponne Square and concludes in the Ouchy lakeside district.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English only, according to the available information.

How do I get to the meeting point?
You can arrive via Riponne – Maurice Bejard metro station, which is just a minute’s walk from the meeting point.

Is the tour accessible for all visitors?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users and those over 95 years of age.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water to stay refreshed during the walk.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those who enjoy a combination of city sightseeing, cultural insights, and chocolate indulgence in a small-group setting with flexible options.