"Welcome to Lausanne" Lausanne by Gosia78

Lausanne is located on the shores of Lake Geneva facing Evian-les-Bains, France. The fifth city in Switzerland, capital of the canton of Vaud is approximately 60 km northeast of Geneva.

Passing through centuries of religious wars, invasions, the plague, Lausanne came into vogue in the second half of the 18th century, thanks to the famous philosopher, Rousseau. Travellers started to come to see this beautiful hilly city, with flowing rivers and pristine countryside. These cultured visitors were only the beginning of Lausanne's interest in the arts and in education, as the city established the world-famous Academy, with faculties devoted to Science and Law, an art school which opened in 1823, a municipal theatre, a science university, and of course, the city became the headquarters for the International Olympic Committee in 1915.

In this century, Lausanne continued to grow despite the serious conflicts going on all around, most notably the two world wars.

Currently a city of 125,000, Lausanne has managed to keep its history visible and accessible. With the exception of building over the major rivers and knocking down its fortified walls, most of the city's landmarks are still around. Its cathedral in the Old Town is an excellent example of the Gothic style.

Non Violence

"Non Violence" - monument in Olympic Park by Carl Fredrik Reutersward.

In honor of the Olympic Movement's unceasing efforts to create peace and non- violence through sport

A gift from The Sport Movement of Sweden.

Mountains, lake, vineyards and Agnieszka :-)

The name Lausanne was taken from the steep slops and hills (loh-san) on which city is situated. If you travel one or two kilometers in any direction you wind up in vineyards villages or by the lake.