Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Lausanne

  • Connect with fellow expats in Lausanne

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Lausanne

  • Andrey Vasilyev

    I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Life in Lausanne

Culture and Leisure

Dating back to the Roman era, Lausanne is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Geneva. The entire old city is listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites, and there are many intriguing architecturally significant buildings to explore. The 12th Century Cathedral and the Tour de Sauvabelin (an observation tower) are among the most renowned.

For those interested in classical music, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne and the L’Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne offer a diverse calendar of rich musical events. Lausanne is home to the Swiss Film Archive and the city hosts several film festivals throughout the year.

With the fantastic backdrop of Lake Geneva, water sports and outdoor activities are in abundance. Cycling is a popular outdoor pursuit among people living in Lausanne, with challenging routes through the mountains, by the lake shores and vineyards. Throughout the year, the city hosts the Tour de Romandie road cycling event, a marathon and triathlon, and fantastic winter sports.

Education in Lausanne

The Swiss education system offers excellent facilities and programs, both in the state school system, and the many international schools. State schools in Lausanne use French as the language of instruction, while also offering classes in one of the other official languages and English. There are four stages of the education system: kindergarten, primary, secondary I, secondary II and tertiary.

There are 38 private international schools in Switzerland, which are part of the Swiss Group of International Schools, and two of them are located in or near Lausanne. These schools come with high fees, but are highly-regarded among expats living in Lausanne. The GEMS World Academy-Etoy is located between Geneva and Lausanne and offers classes from kindergarten up to grade nine (age 15). The school follows the IB system in English. The Brillantmont International School, located in the city center, is a boarding school for children between the ages of 12 and 18.

Transportation in Lausanne

Lausanne is the smallest city in the world to have a rapid transport system, with a city metro system including 28 stations – it is run on a rubber-tire system, similar to that of the Paris Metro Line 14.

The city is also served by an efficient network of buses and trolleybuses (operated by Transports Publics de la Région Lausannoise), as well as commuter trains connecting it with Geneva and other parts of Switzerland and its neighboring countries.

Lausanne has a very good road network. The A1 runs past the west of the city, connecting it to Geneva. Other motorways and rail systems connect the city to all European destinations.

Why you'll love InterNations in Lausanne

17,667
Members in Lausanne
18
monthly events
29
interest-based groups
21
event hosts

and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!

Aug 1, 2025, 7:00 PM
9 attendees
Celebrate Swiss National Day with Internationals in Lausanne! Join us on Friday, August 1st, for an unforgettable evening at the Swiss National Day festivities by the lake in Ouchy! 🎉 Dress code: r
Aug 3, 2025, 10:30 AM
14 attendees
Swiss Cultural Day in Martigny 🇨🇭 Dear friends, You’re warmly invited to a day of discovery and culture in beautiful Martigny, Switzerland! 🖼 Morning Visit – 10h30 AM We begin with a visit to th
Aug 16, 2025, 11:45 AM
17 attendees
🌊 Join Us for a Cultural Day Trip to Évian! 🎨🍣 Dear InterNations Members, We’re excited to invite you to our next special outing—this time across the lake to beautiful (...) Protected content (..
(...) Protected content (...) Rendez vous Gare de Puidoux a 13h30 ou 14h30 au parking du lac de Bret Balade autour de lac de Bret en Hommage au Dr Albert Schweitzer et meditation sur le thème de

See all upcoming events for expats in Lausanne

Our Global Partners