Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 45 min – 1 h 55 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Once the site of a Roman military fort called Lausanna and now part of Switzerland for over two centuries, Lausanne is often called the world’s best small city. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore the history and culture of this dynamic Swiss city nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva.

The tour starts at the Neo-Renaissance Palais de Rumine, where I’ll tell you about its fascinating origins as a gift to the city and its historical significance as the site where the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in 1923. You’ll go on to climb the 70 stairs to Lausanne Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic architecture and impressive 13th-century rose window containing 105 medallions depicting the medieval worldview.

You'll make your way to the Palace of Justice, and discover why the Swiss Federal Supreme Court is located in Lausanne rather than the capital, Bern. The tour ends at the Esplanade de Montbenon with its spectacular lake views.

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At a glance

Duration: 45 min – 1 h 55 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Palais de Rumine

Passing by

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Palais de Rumine, a striking late 19th-century building that houses several museums and a grand reading room. Please note that entry to the Palais and its exhibitions is not included in this tour.
Townhall of Lausanne

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Townhall of Lausanne, an elegant historic building that serves as the seat of the city’s government. Please note that entry to the Townhall is not included in this tour.
Esplanade de Montbenon

Passing by

You’ll visit the Esplanade de Montbenon, a scenic park offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
Cathedrale de Lausanne

Passing by

You’ll pass by Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic landmark known for its intricate architecture and impressive rose window. Please note that entry to the cathedral is not included in this tour.
Escaliers du Marche

Passing by

You’ll walk along the Escaliers du Marché, a historic covered stairway connecting Lausanne’s old town to the cathedral. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
Eglise Reformee Saint-Francois

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Église réformée Saint-François, a historic church known for its Gothic architecture and central location in Lausanne. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.
Fontaine Pierre Viret

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Fontaine Pierre Viret, a historic fountain dedicated to the renowned Protestant reformer. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at Pl. de la Riponne 6. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Esplanade de Montbenon

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]