The Vidy district

The history of Vidy goes back to the first century with the existence of Lousonna, a city built near the mouth of the Flon. Remains and excavations have shown just how well thought-out the Roman urban model was. Vidy was left abandoned. But its destiny changed when the town council accepted the development plan for the site to host the 1964 national exhibition. The site was cleaned up and then given a whole new look, more playful, youthful and modern.

Today at Vidy, sport is king, but not only! In recent years, culture has also made its home here, with the recently renovated Théâtre de Vidy, Lausanne's prestigious theatre. The remains of Lousonna have also made Vidy their home. This small Gallo-Roman city developed in the first century BC. The eastern part of Lausanne is also blessed with green spaces as far as the eye can see, where you can contemplate the landscape, including the lake, or relax with the family.

In short, Vidy is a great place to admire the Gallo-Roman ruins, where the remains have been well preserved. Not far from this site is the Roman Museum, a great cultural extension to learn more about the origins of Lausanne. There is also a small chapel at La Maladière, which was listed as a historic monument in 1900. The plains of the district are full of souvenirs of Expo 64, including the Théâtre de Vidy and the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium. Finally, you can also enjoy the lake or the Bellerive swimming pool in Vidy. And if water is not your cup of tea, then the Parc Bourget is the place to go for a long stroll.

Théâtre de Vidy

The Vidy-Lausanne theatre, designed by Max Bill, was built for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition. The only theatre in the world to be located on a beach, it was given a facelift in 2023. Timeless, the theatre's architecture remains avant-garde. After two years of work, it opened its doors at the beginning of 2023 with its four performance halls and a rehearsal hall, offering open-air shows.

At nearly 60 years old, the theatre is opening a new chapter and a new lease of life. Larger, it continues its role as a performance space and a meeting place for artistic freedom and creation. Artists can invent new, vibrant aesthetic forms. This performance space is also accessible and inclusive.

To find out about the year's programme and book your ticket: https://vidy.ch/fr/?utm_source=easyvoyage

Petit train de Vidy

The little train is one of Lausanne's most popular attractions. Admittedly a little outdated, the train was built for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition. Since its first runs, the red electric locomotives have multiplied the circuits to the delight of children... and adults too! The route is 580 metres long and circles a small hill called the Emilie-Henri-Jacques-Dalcroz esplanade.

Tickets are sold directly on site, near a snack bar. It takes you around Vidy, from the lake to the port, passing by the copper fountain and the theatre. A fun break.

Roman Museum of Lausanne-Vidy

Situated close to Lake Geneva in a beautiful green setting, the Roman Museum at Vidy is built around the well of the ancient atrium. It houses the remains of an old luxury residence that was discovered on the Lousonna site. These remains are part of the museum's permanent collection, entitled "Past Present: Lousonna". Lousonna is the ancestor of the city of Lausanne. It was situated on the shores of the lake between 0 and 400 AD, some 2,000 years ago. Numerous temporary exhibitions offer a different, amusing and offbeat view of the past.

Archaeological walk through the Gallo-Roman ruins

The ruins of the forum of the Gallo-Roman vicus Lousonna can be found in the Parc de Vidy. They bear witness to the existence and importance of this city, which was established near the mouth of the Flon.