The university town of Lausanne is known for its steeply pitched streets where stone buildings are topped by barrel-tile roofs. A gorgeous 12th-century cathedral overlooks it all. Situated on three hills near the placid waters of Lake Geneva, Lausanne has vineyards on the nearby slopes and the snow-capped Alpen peaks in the horizon.
This stretch of Lake Geneva, between Geneva and Montreux, has attracted many writers, artists and musicians since the days of Shelley and Lord Byron. Charlie Chaplin lived the last decades of his life in Vevey, not far from Lausanne.
French-speaking Lausanne has long been a center of arts and education. However, most people here speak English as a second language. There are lots of cultural events, especially when it comes to music. The nightlife is lively because of the presence of so many students, and clubs are open to younger people (beer at 16, liquor at 18). Weekenders from Geneva hop the train to swell the ranks of the all-night partiers, as this city is considered to be much more fun.

 

Getting here

Geneva International Airport has speedy rail connections to just about everywhere in Switzerland. A direct train to Lausanne (and beyond) departs very 20 minutes, and takes about 45 minutes. The cost is a little over $20. See Cff.ch for rail infromation.

 

Getting around

In Lausanne there are buses and subway trains that leave every seven or eight minutes at peak times. Walking is also an option, but the steep hills make some streets difficult. See the English language pages of Transports Publics for bus and Metro information.

 

Neighborhoods
Avenue de Tivoli, on the hill to the west of the train station, has a cluster of gay business. Tivoli becomes Avenue Jules Gonin as it makes its way to the center of the city. On your way, note the large MAD nightclub below, to the left, home to the Jungle parties. Most of the other clubs of interest are a short walk away, continuing eastbound. Descend to Place Saint-Francois, where you can walk, take the subway, or hop a cab.

 

Money
The Swiss Franc is the currency. ATM machines are everywhere, and currency exchange offices are common but exchange rates vary. Shop around and avoid those that charge a commission. Exchange shops closest to the train stations tend to have the worst rates, so a short walk up the hill can save you money.

 

Politics
Though politically conservative in some ways, the Swiss permit same-sex partner registration at the federal level. Laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation have been around since 1992. Swiss laws put the age of consent at 16. Prostitution is legal, but sex workers are supposed to register and get regular health checks.
Crossing between Switzerland and European Union countries no longer requires the showing of a passport, making travel quicker and easier - but they may still do spot checks now and then.

 

Media and resources

360 and GayRomandie and GayMap.ch cover all of Switzerland, with particular focus on Lausanne and other Francophone areas.

MySwitzerland.com has a gay pages along with general information in this official Swiss Tourism website. See the Lake Geneva Region website for more information on local accommodations, excursions, restaurants, festivals, events, and historical attractions.

For map locations and website links to the businesses listed below, and more, see our gay Lausanne listings pages.

 

Accommodations
There are many hotels in Lausanne, including two gay options. For more options see our hotels & guesthouses listiings.

Bernaldo’s Bed & Breakfast (47, avenue de La Harpe, Ouchy; 31-76-271-6479), waterside gay-friendly lodgings. Book by e-mail: amsteincaribbean@hotmail.com.

Rainbow Inn (22 Avenue Tivoli; 31-21-311-6969 ) the best men-only guesthouse, modern rooms, rates start at 85 francs.

Rainbow Inn Guesthouse  (7-9 Avenue Tivoli; 31-21- 311-6969) upscale hotel, great views, free admission to gay businesses.

 

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants: North Central

Club Romandie (Place de l'Europe), mixed crowd, electro dance club, cult film screenings, live music.

GT’s (5, avenue de Tivoli), gay bar and lounge, cocktails and snacks, dancing weekends, drag cabaret, special theme parties; former L'Entrée Bar.

Jungle, the largest regional gay dances and foam parites, usually several times each year, top DJs, sexy strippers, performers, restaurant, VIP balcony. For many years at MAD Club, moved in 2014 to other clubs in the Lausanne and Geneva area - see website for updates.

MAD (23 rue de Geneve) Saturday young, energetic, gay and gay-friendly capacity crowd weekly, top pan-European DJs, performers, Gameboy gay Sunday tea dances.

N2O (7, place de l'Europe) sandwiches, pizza, focaccia, DJ music, mixed crowd - former Cafe Luna.

PUR (17 rue du Port-Franc) opposite MAD, gay- friendly restaurant, huge outdoor terrace, pre- dance crowd, weekend brunch.

Trixx at ABC, D!Club (1, place Centrale), high-energy Sunday night gay dance parties from 9pm, mostly men; new home after 20 years at MAD.

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants: Flon District to Avenue de Tivol

Café de Grancy (1 avenue du Rond-Point), gay-friendly restaurant, entrées/plats, salads, tartares, carpaccio, foie gras, vegetarian options. 

La Couronne d’Or (13 rue des Deux-Marchés), cafe/bar, artisan beers, grog, tea and coffee drinks; Sunday brunch.

La Tonnelle (16 avenue de Mon Loisir), gay-friendly restaurant/bar, fondues specialities, garden terrace seating.

Lausanne Moudon (rue de Tunnel 20), grand- style brasserie, classic French cuisine, fine wine, vegetarian options, Sunday brunch.

Les Alliés (48 rue de la Pontaise), bright modern gay-friendly cafe/restaurant, wine and aperitifs, lounge and garden terrace tables.

Le Tramway (6b rue de la Pontaise) small restaurant, impassioned kitchen staff, fresh market produce.

Pin-Up Bar (31 rue Marterey), new Monday-Saturday lesbian-popular cafe/bar, open from 3pm at the center, all welcome, sidewalk seatings.

Vinyl Club (Place de Tunnel 9), funk, electro, pop & rock dance club/lounge, restaurant, live music, piano/jazz bar.
 

Bars, Clubs, Restaurants: South and East Central

43&10 (43- 10 rue de Bourg), popular 18+ gay dance club, men and women mixed crowd; open Thursdays through Saturdays, 11pm to 5am.

Bar-Tabac (7 rue Beau-Sejour) arty bistro, old- fashioned ambiance, after-work snacks, meet old or make new friends.

L’Indécis (10, avenue de la Gare), burgers, tartares, chicken, fish, vegetarian pastas; gay-friendly bar/pub.

Le Bourg (51 rue de Bourg), cafe, bar and nightclub, '60s-style venue, performance art, comedy, DJ sets, live music.

Le Saxo (3 rue de la Grotte), bar and restaurant, Saturday karaoke soirees, French food, iced deserts.

 

Saunas & Sex Clubs

Sauna Pink Beach (7-9 avenue de Tivoli), on two floors, largest Swiss sauna, whirlpool, massage, steam, movies, dark rooms, cabins, internet, drinks/snacks bar and lounge; open non-stop weekends, theme nights, age 18-24 discounts.

Top Club (6 rue Bellefontaine), large, comfortable and discreet gay bathhouse with sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, massage services; open daily until 11pm/ weekends until midnight.

New Relax Club (Galerie St Francois A),  gay, mixed and straight sauna, steam and hot tub, open daily; Sundays gay-only from noon, second Sundays for bears.

Trafick (22 Avenue de Tivoli), male erotic cinema next to Le Garage sex shop; sex cabins, sling, dark room, basement maze, naked parties.
 

Shopping

Au Petit Q (avenue de Tivoli 60), men's fashions underwear, books, guides, and whimsical things on "Gay Street."

Le Garage (avenue de Tivoli 22A) Lausanne's best gay porn store, magazines, books, DVDs, toys, leather and latex gear.

Monsieur Alain (35 rue du Simplon), gay-friendly men's fashion store; tees, pants, shorts, shirts, bags, sunglasses and accessories.