Lausanne: A Swiss Gem on the Shores of Lake Geneva

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryan]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyu, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay-tuhn er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yay]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo meh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The history of Lausanne dates back to Roman times when it was known as Lousonna. The Romans established a military camp in the area around 15 BC, and the settlement grew into a small town by the shores of Lake Geneva. Remnants of this era can still be seen today, including parts of the Roman road and the ruins of a Roman villa.

During the medieval period, Lausanne expanded from the lakeshore up to its current hilltop location. The city became an important religious center, with the construction of the Lausanne Cathedral beginning in 1170. The cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, was consecrated in 1275 and remains one of the most impressive structures in the city.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century had a significant impact on Lausanne. In 1536, the city was conquered by Bern, and Lutheranism was imposed on the local population. The Lausanne Cathedral was converted from a Catholic to a Protestant place of worship, and this period also saw the foundation of the Academy of Lausanne, which later became the University of Lausanne.

Lausanne experienced a cultural renaissance in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city's scenic location attracted numerous artists, writers, and intellectuals, including renowned figures like Lord Byron and Charles Dickens. Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived in Lausanne for a time, and his presence contributed to the city's reputation as a center of Enlightenment thought.

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw Lausanne rapidly modernize and industrialize. The construction of the railway in 1856 connected Lausanne to major cities across Europe, spurring economic growth. The city's population boomed, and new neighborhoods sprang up to accommodate the influx of residents. The development of Lausanne's public transport system, including the iconic M2 metro line, further modernized the city.

Lausanne holds a special place in the world of sports as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1915. The city is often referred to as the 'Olympic Capital.' The Olympic Museum, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, showcases the history of the Olympic Games and celebrates the spirit of international athletic competition.

Today, Lausanne is known for its rich cultural life. The city hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Festival de la Cité and the Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival. Lausanne is also home to several prestigious cultural institutions, such as the Collection de l'Art Brut, which features outsider art, and the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, one of the world's leading contemporary ballet companies.

Lausanne is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), located about 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Lausanne, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or use a shuttle service. Lausanne also has excellent train connections to major cities in Switzerland and Europe, making it convenient for travelers arriving by rail. For those driving, Lausanne is well-connected via the Swiss motorway network.

Lausanne boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the Lausanne Métro. The city's public transport is operated by Transports publics lausannois (tl), and tickets can be purchased at vending machines or via the tl app. For short distances within the city center, walking is a pleasant option due to Lausanne's compact size. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For day trips, consider renting a bike or using the city's bike-sharing program, Lausanne Roule.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout Lausanne, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and exchange offices.

Lausanne is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like train stations. The neighborhoods of Flon and Ouchy are popular and generally safe, but exercise caution late at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, so always be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. Lausanne's main hospital, CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), provides excellent medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and neatly. Lausanne is a stylish city, and locals appreciate good fashion sense. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing when dining out or visiting formal establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be punctual. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A slight nod or 'Bonjour' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue and raclette. Don’t leave a tip on the table; it is usually included in the bill, but rounding up the amount is appreciated.

To experience Lausanne like a local, visit the weekly markets at Place de la Riponne or Place de la Palud to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva in Ouchy, or hike up to the Sauvabelin Tower for panoramic views of the city. For a unique cultural experience, attend a performance at the Opera de Lausanne or visit the Collection de l'Art Brut, an extraordinary museum dedicated to outsider art. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and taste some exquisite Swiss wines.