Among the twenty or so Lausanne museums, fine arts, photography, contemporary design and applied arts are showcased in the heart of the Vaud capital in a new urban space named PLATEFORME 10. The internationally renowned Ballet Béjart Lausanne and Grand Prix de Lausanne demonstrate other aspects of living arts in these lands.
Vevey, recognised as the city of images, has its own museums, as well as unique events such as the Festival Images or the Fête des Vignerons, an exceptional festival around winegrowers that links culture and traditions, and is classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The region is also known as an inspirational land, having attracted in the past many artists who stayed for short or long periods of times on the shores of Lake Geneva, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin, to name but a few. The latter’s house has been transformed into a museum – Chaplin’s World – that recalls the life and work of that acclaimed artist.
In the heart of the region is Lavaux, a cultural landmark listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Besides, the Town of Lausanne has been chosen as a “Great Wine Capital” in 2018. Wine and gastronomy are also central features of the region, that offers a great choice of gourmet establishments and restaurants, serving dishes that range from highlighting local products to world cuisines, widely represented.