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Switzerland
Vaud
District de l'Ouest lausannois

Villars-Sainte-Croix

Attractions and Places To See around Villars-Sainte-Croix - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Villars-Sainte-Croix include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. This municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud features agricultural land and serves as a gateway to the broader Ouest Lausannois district and the Lake Geneva region. Its historical roots are evident, with records mentioning an old village church and a hospital from before 1272. The area offers opportunities to appreciate local scenery and explore nearby cultural landmarks.

Best attractions and places to see around Villars-Sainte-Croix

  • The most popular attraction is Soldiers' Fountain, an other man-made monument that is part of a fountain circuit. It has a notable history, having supplied soldiers with water on their journeys between barracks and a shooting range.
  • Another must-see spot is Olympic Museum and Park, a man-made monument dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games. This museum features 150 screens and 1,500 exhibits, along with interactive tools for visitors.
  • Visitors also love Ouchy Castle, a 12th-century castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was historically used as a fortress and stately residence, and now houses a luxury hotel.
  • Villars-Sainte-Croix is known for its castles, historical sites, and man-made monuments. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to cultural institutions.
  • The attractions around Villars-Sainte-Croix are appreciated by the komoot community, with 208 upvotes and 64 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Notre Dame Cathedral of Lausanne

Highlight • Religious Site

Impressive architecture and at the side there is a small lounge to rest. The construction lasted from 1165 to 1275. The gothic cathedral Notre Dame is the largest church in Switzerland.

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Ouchy Castle

Highlight • Castle

The Château d'Ouchy is an old castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was built in the 12th century and was used as a fortress and a stately residence. Today, it houses a luxury hotel with elegant rooms that offer stunning views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful gardens and terrace, as well as the restaurant which offers fine cuisine.

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Lausanne Town Hall

Highlight • Monument

The current town hall was built on the Place de la Palud between 1673 and 1675 by the architect Abraham de Crousaz1, based on plans drawn by Pierre Rebeur2. While the upper floors of the building housed the municipal authorities and archives from their commissioning onwards3, the ground floor, for its part, successively housed the market and the grain hall, then the town's fire brigade equipment from the 18th century onwards, before being transformed into an exhibition space of 225 m2 from 19534.

The building is topped by a belfry whose bells were used in case of danger. It overlooks the roof which, by its shape, is reminiscent of traditional farms in the region5. The entire building is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance

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Ouchy Harbour

Highlight • Structure

Interesting atmosphere at the port with a view of Lake Geneva and the partially snow-capped mountains on the other side. Here you have the opportunity to cross over to Evian, for example.

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Olympic Museum and Park

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Olympic Capital Lausanne
The Olympic Capital Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for 100 years. In 1993, the IOC created its only official museum on the shores of Lake Geneva. When it was completely renovated in 2013, the Olympic Museum was equipped with the latest computer and audiovisual technology. The permanent exhibition presents the origins of the Games, the competitions and the sporting spirit through numerous screens and objects, as well as the equipment of the most famous athletes. Thanks to the numerous interactive tools, children can put themselves in the shoes of an athlete for their greatest pleasure.


Temporary exhibitions, a park with numerous works of art and a panoramic restaurant with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps complete the offer of this unmissable leisure destination in Lausanne.
The Olympic Capital Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for 100 years. In 1993, the IOC created its only official museum on the shores of Lake Geneva. When it was completely renovated in 2013, the Olympic Museum was equipped with the latest computer technology and audiovisual equipment. Spread over three floors, with 150 screens and 1,500 exhibits, the museum tells the story of the origins of the Olympic Games, the competitions and the Olympic spirit of the athletes. For example, you can see the famous Olympic torches from all the Olympic Games and some of the equipment worn by the most famous athletes. Thanks to the numerous interactive tools, children can put themselves in the shoes of an athlete for their greatest pleasure.
Temporary exhibitions, a park with numerous works of art and a panoramic restaurant with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps complete the offer of this unmissable leisure destination in Lausanne.
Text / Source: Lausanne Tourisme – administration, Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne lausanne-tourisme.ch/de/entdecken/das-olympische-museum

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Tips from the Community

Eamon Marsden
April 2, 2025, Olympic Museum and Park Lausanne

Amazing museum, very nice sitting nenxt to the water, never gets old and always worth visiting.

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The park in front of the museum is really beautiful, with statues representing different disciplines. You can compete with Usain Bolt on the 100m track, and there are lights that show his speed.

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A must for all sports enthusiasts! Not just for racing cyclists 😉.

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Paul
November 6, 2024, Lausanne Town Hall

Lausanne City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Lausanne) The imposing City Hall, overlooking the picturesque Place de la Palud from its bell tower, still houses the city administration today. The Lausanne architect Abraham de Crousaz built it between 1673 and 1675 on the foundations of the existing hotels. As an important center of life in Lausanne, it combined several functions: as a political center, it served as both the seat and a symbol of civic power; it was an economic center, housing the wheat market in its ground-floor halls; and it served as a defensive structure, with the bells in its bell tower warning of danger. The City Hall, much admired since its construction, is the most interesting achievement of 17th-century Vaudois architecture. Its main façade features a particularly subtle composition. While the alignment of the bays and their cornices creates a striking and explicit horizontal effect, the vertical axis, defined by the sculptural portal and the tower, is implicitly reinforced by the rhythm of the windows, which become increasingly closer together as they approach the center, and by the rhythm of the arcades, which become progressively narrower. The roof, on the other hand, echoes the aesthetics of regional farmhouses in its form, completing an original silhouette with a provincial touch. Text / Source: City of Lausanne, Department of Architecture and Housing, Department of Housing, Environment and Architecture, Rue du Port-Franc, 182nd floor, Lausanne https://www.lausanne.ch/portrait/carte-identite/architecture-et-monuments/patrimoine-architectural/ancien-regime/hotel-de-ville

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Lausanne Cathedral of Notre-Dame It was not until 1275 that the cathedral was consecrated by Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X. After that, Jean Cotereel, the third master builder, took over the construction site and erected the western part, which he equipped with a portal porch and two towers, one of which carries the bells. The other tower was not completed. The very original painted portal was added to the south facade around 1225-1235. It was not until 1275 that the cathedral was consecrated by Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X. In 1536, the cathedral was greatly altered during the Reformation when a new space for worship was created in the nave. It was then repeatedly restored in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably under the direction of the famous French architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. The interior of the cathedral is characterised by its extraordinary colourfulness. This decoration, which dates back to the original building, was covered over during the Reformation, but was brought back to light at the beginning of the 20th century: In the Chapel of Mary and on the statues of the painted portal, unique in Europe, whose complete restoration was completed in October 2007, the paintings are still recognisable. The rosette is one of the masterpieces of European church art: its panes illustrate the medieval worldview in which God as creator was at the centre. Text / Source: Lausanne Tourisme – administration, Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/de/entdecken/kathedrale-von-lausanne/

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Olympic Capital Lausanne The Olympic Capital Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for 100 years. In 1993, the IOC created its only official museum on the shores of Lake Geneva. When it was completely renovated in 2013, the Olympic Museum was equipped with the latest computer and audiovisual technology. The permanent exhibition presents the origins of the Games, the competitions and the sporting spirit through numerous screens and objects, as well as the equipment of the most famous athletes. Thanks to the numerous interactive tools, children can put themselves in the shoes of an athlete for their greatest pleasure. Temporary exhibitions, a park with numerous works of art and a panoramic restaurant with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps complete the offer of this unmissable leisure destination in Lausanne. The Olympic Capital Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for 100 years. In 1993, the IOC created its only official museum on the shores of Lake Geneva. When it was completely renovated in 2013, the Olympic Museum was equipped with the latest computer technology and audiovisual equipment. Spread over three floors, with 150 screens and 1,500 exhibits, the museum tells the story of the origins of the Olympic Games, the competitions and the Olympic spirit of the athletes. For example, you can see the famous Olympic torches from all the Olympic Games and some of the equipment worn by the most famous athletes. Thanks to the numerous interactive tools, children can put themselves in the shoes of an athlete for their greatest pleasure. Temporary exhibitions, a park with numerous works of art and a panoramic restaurant with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps complete the offer of this unmissable leisure destination in Lausanne. Text / Source: Lausanne Tourisme – administration, Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/de/entdecken/das-olympische-museum/

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Willem VS
August 29, 2024, Château d'Ouchy

Château d'Ouchy is a historic castle and hotel located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has a rich history as a residence of several noble families and as a hotel. The castle was restored in the 19th century and converted into a luxury hotel. Today, Château d'Ouchy is known for its elegant accommodations, stunning views of the lake and the Alps, and excellent gastronomy.

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A must for every athlete! In keeping with the Olympic motto: Taking part is everything.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Villars-Sainte-Croix itself has historical roots, with records mentioning an old village church and a hospital from before 1272. In the wider region, you can visit significant historical landmarks such as the impressive Lausanne Town Hall, a 17th-century building with a rich history, and the 12th-century Ouchy Castle, which now houses a luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Are there any notable castles in the vicinity of Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Yes, the region around Villars-Sainte-Croix is home to several notable castles. You can explore Ouchy Castle, a 12th-century fortress now a luxury hotel on Lake Geneva. Further afield, but still accessible, are the iconic Chillon Castle near Montreux and the unique Romanesque brick architecture of Vufflens Castle, both offering a glimpse into medieval history.

What cultural institutions are accessible from Villars-Sainte-Croix?

A prominent cultural institution easily accessible from Villars-Sainte-Croix is the Olympic Museum and Park in Lausanne. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games, featuring 150 screens and 1,500 exhibits, along with interactive tools. Lausanne also boasts the impressive Lausanne Cathedral and the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium for an immersive aquatic experience.

What natural features or scenic spots are worth visiting near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

The primary natural draw in the wider region is Lake Geneva, offering expansive natural scenery and opportunities for boat tours. You can enjoy the atmosphere at Ouchy Harbour, which provides views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Villars-Sainte-Croix itself is characterized by its agricultural land and countryside, providing pleasant local landscapes for appreciation.

Can I enjoy views of Lake Geneva from attractions near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Absolutely. Many attractions in the broader Lake Geneva area, easily accessible from Villars-Sainte-Croix, offer stunning views. For instance, Ouchy Castle and Ouchy Harbour are situated directly on the lake, providing picturesque vistas. The Lausanne Cathedral also offers panoramic views from its top.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Yes, several attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Olympic Museum and Park in Lausanne offers interactive exhibits that children can enjoy. Historical sites like Ouchy Castle and Lausanne Town Hall can also be interesting for older children. Additionally, the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium provides an engaging experience for all ages.

What outdoor activities are available for visitors near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

The area around Villars-Sainte-Croix is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and running. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, explore the guides for MTB Trails around Villars-Sainte-Croix, Road Cycling Routes around Villars-Sainte-Croix, and Running Trails around Villars-Sainte-Croix.

Are there mountain biking trails accessible from Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Yes, there are several mountain biking trails in the vicinity of Villars-Sainte-Croix. Routes like the 'Fayards Covered Shelter – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Bussigny' and the 'Sépey Pond – Forest Singletrack Trail loop from Vufflens-la-Ville' offer moderate challenges. You can find more options and details in the MTB Trails around Villars-Sainte-Croix guide.

Where can I find road cycling routes near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Road cycling enthusiasts will find challenging routes near Villars-Sainte-Croix, including ascents like the 'Col du Marchairuz (1,449 m) – Le Pont loop from Bussigny' and the 'Flowy forest ride – Col du Mollendruz loop from Vufflens-la-Ville'. These routes are generally rated as difficult. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Villars-Sainte-Croix guide.

Are there running trails suitable for different fitness levels?

Yes, the area offers running trails suitable for various fitness levels, mostly rated as moderate. Examples include the 'Running loop from Crissier' (7.3 km) and the 'Path Along the Venoge – Waterfall on the Venoge River loop from Bussigny' (10.4 km). You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Villars-Sainte-Croix guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Villars-Sainte-Croix?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The Soldiers' Fountain is noted for its interesting history, while the Olympic Museum and Park is praised for its interactive exhibits and panoramic views. The peaceful gardens and stunning lake views at Ouchy Castle are also highly enjoyed.

What is the significance of the Soldiers' Fountain?

The Soldiers' Fountain has a unique historical significance. It was strategically located on the walking path between the Pontaise barracks and a shooting range, serving as a water supply for soldiers on their journeys. It is also part of a fountain circuit in the area, making it a point of interest for those exploring local history.

When is the best time of year to visit Villars-Sainte-Croix for outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Villars-Sainte-Croix for outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from spring through early autumn (April to October). During this period, the weather is most favorable for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes and lakeside attractions of the Lake Geneva region.

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