Parks & Green Spaces in Lausanne

Lausanne's great urban forest, 200 hectares of mixed woodland on the hill above the city, reached from the centre in 15 minutes on foot or by bus 16. The forest has a natural lake (Lac de Sauvabelin), a children's farm, and a wooden observation tower. Dogs are welcome off-lead in the forest sections away from the lake's designated swimming areas. Well-maintained paths wind through the trees for hours of walking. The forest is highest in July when the bracken is full and shadiest, ideal for summer walks.

A beautifully landscaped hilltop park above the Flon district with panoramic views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The park has formal gardens, a large open lawn, shaded alleys, and the Brasserie de Montbenon café-restaurant. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout. The park connects via the Escaliers du Marché (a famous covered medieval stairway) to the Palud district and the upper city. An ideal circuit is: Flon → Escaliers du Marché → Palud → Montbenon → return down to Flon (45 minutes).

The lakeside park running along the Ouchy waterfront, a wide, flat promenade with lawns, flower beds, and direct lake access. Dogs on leads are permitted throughout. The park connects to the Lausanne Olympic Museum (dogs wait outside), the Château d'Ouchy, and the CGN boat landing stage. In summer the lawns are busy with picnickers and dog walkers. The promenade extends east to Bellerive beach and west past the Olympic Museum, giving a 2 km flat walking circuit along the lake.