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Star-Studde Cities of Lau and Montreu Travel t’s hard to imagine what a noted British poet, a famous film actor, a celebrated French fashion designer and the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen could possibly have in Star-studded Swiss Icommon. Yet each of them – Lord Byron, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel and Freddie Mercury – all resided, at one point in their lives, in and around the French-speaking region of Lausanne and Montreux, Switzerland. Put a Pin in it Cities of Lausanne After visiting this vibrant and By Debbie Stone alluring locale, I understand why these celebs and so many others have chosen to call it home. Lausanne’s allure is widespread, from and Montreux its glorious location on Lake Geneva and its Mediterranean ambiance to its rich history and flourishing arts scene. The city’s prominent Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a 13th century Gothic edifice with four stately towers and no less than 105 stained glass windows, dominates the landscape and establishes the town’s medieval roots. Buildings dating to the Middle Ages line the cobblestone streets within the picturesque city center. More than just a pretty face, however, Lausanne is a destination of learning, commerce and culture that attracts university students, business titans and visitors from around the globe. Most tourists are surprised to discover that the main headquarters of the Federal Supreme Court has been situated in this town since 1874 and that it has also been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The acclaimed, state-of-the-art Olympics Museum, one of Lausanne’s 50 51 Travel t’s hard to imagine what a noted British poet, a famous film actor, a celebrated French fashion designer and the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen could possibly have in Star-studded Swiss Icommon. Yet each of them – Lord Byron, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel and Freddie Mercury – all resided, at one point in their lives, in and around the French-speaking region of Lausanne and Montreux, Switzerland. Put a Pin in it Cities of Lausanne After visiting this vibrant and By Debbie Stone alluring locale, I understand why these celebs and so many others have chosen to call it home. Lausanne’s allure is widespread, from and Montreux its glorious location on Lake Geneva and its Mediterranean ambiance to its rich history and flourishing arts scene. The city’s prominent Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a 13th century Gothic edifice with four stately towers and no less than 105 stained glass windows, dominates the landscape and establishes the town’s medieval roots. Buildings dating to the Middle Ages line the cobblestone streets within the picturesque city center. More than just a pretty face, however, Lausanne is a destination of learning, commerce and culture that attracts university students, business titans and visitors from around the globe. Most tourists are surprised to discover that the main headquarters of the Federal Supreme Court has been situated in this town since 1874 and that it has also been home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The acclaimed, state-of-the-art Olympics Museum, one of Lausanne’s 50 51 Travel Lausanne is also a magnet for the original style of the buildings Finding good food is never a problem at Le Barbare, a tiny café by the shoppers who flock to Place de la during renovation. Today, it’s a in Lausanne -- or anywhere in cathedral in Old Town. The place has Palud and Rue de Bourg, pedestrian- collection of avant-garde-like Switzerland for that matter. The achieved cult status thanks to its friendly areas with over 1,500 structures that house shops, offices, offerings are versatile, from award- original 1950s décor and its sublime, boutiques and stores, along with apartments and entertainment winning fine dining establishments swoon-worthy hot chocolate, whose colorful open-air market stalls selling venues which come alive when the with gourmet cuisine to cozy cafes aroma envelops you as you enter the everything from flowers to local sun sets and the party-goers appear. and trendy bistros that boast door. You’ll want to keep your spoon produce, fish and wine. You’ll know inventive and exciting dishes. handy, as this is one cup of cocoa you’re in the right spot when you see With Lausanne’s Lake Geneva Sampling Swiss chocolates is an that you actually eat, not drink. the Fountain of Justice, distinguished backdrop, it’s impossible not to want activity in and of itself and a pursuit by a statue holding a scale in one to spend some time near or on the I took very seriously, especially when Though sadly you won’t be able to hand to weigh the soul and a sword in water during your visit. Stroll down I was informed by a noted chocolate see Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, the other to right the wrongs. It’s the beautiful lakeside promenade, maker that eating chocolate or Lord Byron or Freddie Mercury around just one of 120 historical and or opt for a boat ride to explore imbibing a chocolate beverage town, you might catch a glimpse of whimsical fountains in the town. neighboring Evian, France. Though should be an intensely emotional some other celebs if you stop in at only thirty minutes separates the experience. He emphasized the the bar at Beau-Rivage Palace, one When it comes to nightlife, the Flon two cities, they are worlds apart power of fine chocolate on one’s of the most prestigious hotels in the district is the place to be. The area from one another when it comes psyche, explaining that it has the city. It’s where the stars like to stay, was once an industrial hub and to culture, people and ambiance. ability to make you dream and to set and for Diana Ross, as well as Phil architects were careful to preserve your mind free. My favorite find was Collins, it has also served as the perfect wedding destination. Stroll main attractions, is based here as Foundation, a gem of a museum housed the gardens and you’ll come across well. Plan to spend time exploring in a preserved 19th century villa that an unusual site – a pet cemetery – this wonderful, interactive museum, holds exhibitions of paintings and where Coco Chanel’s beloved dog is which tells the Olympic Story over sculptures created from 1850 to 1920, purported to be buried, along with time, from antiquity to to the with a special focus on Impressionism other pooches of note. present day, while paying tribute to and French art. Another unique, the men and women who celebrate must-see cultural attraction in Lausanne provides easy access to and epitomize the Olympic ideal. One Lausanne is the Collection de l’Art the nearby UNESCO World Heritage floor is devoted to the origins of the Brut. The impetus for this museum Lavaux Vineyards. Even if wine is not ancient Olympic Games, their revival stemmed from a donation of works by your thing, you’ll want to put this by Pierre de Coubertin and their French artist Jean Dubuffet, who began Swiss treasure on your list due to its spread throughout the world. Other collecting creations outside the jaw-dropping setting. Ten thousand galleries focus on the Games and mainstream in hopes of shedding light vine terraces, a system created by delve into the greatest feats and on art that was free from cultural and Cistercian monks in the 11th stories of the athletes who social conditioning. Works on display century, hug the steep slopes that participated in the competitions. are by untrained artists, many who face the Alps above the shimmering Additionally, there are displays that lived difficult lives. Some resided in waters of Lake Geneva. This is the explore the daily lives of athletes mental institutions or were birthplace of the Chasselas grape before, during and after the Games. incarcerated in prison; others were variety, a wine appreciated for its Outside the museum, overlooking social outcasts, loners or just pure scents and delicate fruit notes. scenic Lake Geneva, is the Olympic eccentrics who turned to painting, Other varietals grown here, such as Park, which features works of sculpture and other artistic media as a Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, contemporary artists and sports means to express themselves. Though Gamaret and Sauvignon, are activity areas. the pieces can be disturbing at times, testimony to the richness of they are truly fascinating, as is the Lavaux’s terroirs which benefit Art aficionados will rejoice in the city’s accompanying biographical information from a temperate climate and a offerings, especially the Hermitage about each of the contributors. Mediterranean character to the 52 53 Travel Lausanne is also a magnet for the original style of the buildings Finding good food is never a problem at Le Barbare, a tiny café by the shoppers who flock to Place de la during renovation. Today, it’s a in Lausanne -- or anywhere in cathedral in Old Town. The place has Palud and Rue de Bourg, pedestrian- collection of avant-garde-like Switzerland for that matter. The achieved cult status thanks to its friendly areas with over 1,500 structures that house shops, offices, offerings are versatile, from award- original 1950s décor and its sublime, boutiques and stores, along with apartments and entertainment winning fine dining establishments swoon-worthy hot chocolate, whose colorful open-air market stalls selling venues which come alive when the with gourmet cuisine to cozy cafes aroma envelops you as you enter the everything from flowers to local sun sets and the party-goers appear. and trendy bistros that boast door. You’ll want to keep your spoon produce, fish and wine.
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