For example there’s Ouchy, the harbour area with its Mediterranean-style promenade, luxury hotels and Olympic Museum. From there you can take the new metro service up to the old town.

Born in Bern, she is usually to be found working in her restaurant, “The Lacustre” on the busy lake shore, although she loves the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the old town. One of her regular spots is up near the cathedral, the most impressive example of early Gothic architecture in Switzerland. This traffic-free area with a view of the lake is where Joséphine can truly relax. She also loves the “Great Escape”, one of the most popular bars in Lausanne, where she frequently meets up with friends. Even though it’s in the heart of the city, it feels a bit like a secluded park.

She has lived in Lausanne for about seven years. Originally her intention was to stay for just six months. However the city on the shores of Lake Geneva has burrowed its way into her affections to become her new home. 

She literally fell in love with the city – the landscape and the people. Like Joséphine, many of them work in the restaurant trade. They come from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Also like Joséphine, many of them were originally just passing through but ended up staying in Lausanne forever. 

Because Lausanne is built on numerous slopes, there are breath-taking views of Lake Geneva at almost every turn. Joséphine loves the wide open spaces, the combination of water and the surrounding Alps. Best of all, however, she likes spending time by the lake, for example at the Jetée de la Compagnie, where drinks and small snacks are served from a small bar. A long wooden pier is the perfect place for sunbathing, reading and chatting with friends. Joséphine relaxes and cools down with an occasional plunge into the pleasantly warm waters of Lake Geneva. 

After a refreshing swim in the lake, Joséphine makes her way to “The Lacustre” in Lausanne’s Ouchy district. The bar/restaurant is also situated directly by the lake, where boats moor and the mountains seem close enough to touch. There’s a holiday atmosphere at “The Lacustre” and Joséphine can’t imagine a nicer place to work. That’s why she often stays behind after her shift comes to an end to enjoy a drink with friends. Joséphine loves the last hour before sunset. Lausanne and the lake look particularly beautiful in the golden red glow. 

The rooftop of the Mad Club is a well-known haunt for Lausanne’s night owls and one of Joséphine’s all-time favourite spots. What better way to reflect on the day than by watching the sun set over the old town with a glass of wine in your hand? The local populace’s relaxed attitude to life is particularly in evidence on the roof terrace at the Mad Club. Visitors will find that this attitude can be quite infectious.  

There’s something else: in Lausanne the day doesn’t come to an end when the sun sets. On the contrary – that’s when things start to get lively. Whether you choose the Mad Club or one of the other discos, if you wish, you can dance the night away in Lausanne.