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Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour

New To The Site! Lausanne, Switzerland

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45 to 115 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Food and drink
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Place de la Riponne
1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Avenue Louis-Ruchonnet
1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

The tour ends at the Esplanade de Montbenon

What To Expect

Palais de Rumine (Pass 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.
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Townhall of Lausanne (Pass 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.
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Esplanade de Montbenon (Pass 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.
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Cathedrale de Lausanne (Pass 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.
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Escaliers du Marche (Pass 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.
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Eglise Reformee Saint-Francois (Pass 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.
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Fontaine Pierre Viret (Pass 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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Layers of Lausanne: A Self-Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-110804P907


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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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