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Set on slopes by Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a laidback and liveable city. The views of the lake and dramatic peaks of the Alps are simply stunning, especially from Sauvabelin Tower in the northern woods.

Surrounded by vineyards, this is an outdoor lifestyle city great for sports including sailing, cycling and hiking. In fact, many international sporting governing bodies and the International Olympic Committee are based here. There is also an excellent Olympic Museum. In winter, Lausanne skiing options include the Jura Mountains to the north-west, and the Valais canton south-west of the lake.

By the lake (Lac Léman in French) is the Ouchy port area, home to many of the Lausanne hotels and restaurants. To the north is the Flon district, known for its lively nightlife popular with students.

The cobbled Old Town – the Cité – is a Swiss Heritage Site on a hill at the city’s highest point. It houses the castle and Lausanne Museum, both watched over by the multi-spired Notre-Dame cathedral. At the foot of the hill are 3 squares with markets, one of which – Place Riponne – is on the Metro.

This is the world’s smallest city with a Metro, an indicator of the wonderfully efficient Swiss transport system, meaning that Geneva Airport (the closest to Lausanne) is easily reachable.