MONTFALCON PORTAL - LAUSANNE

In my post (see link), last week, I spoke about Lausanne's splendid Cathedral of Notre-Dame, described as Switzerland's finest and most representative example of Gothic architecture.

Today, I'm going to show you the last batch of the pictures I took there... I have decided to share with you the details of the Montfalcon Portal (thus named after a sixteenth-century bishop), a monumental arched doorway. As you can see, it is richly decorated with sculptures of biblical figures, saints, bishops and various creatures.

LAUSANNE - CATHEDRAL

Today, I am sharing a set of photos that I would normally put up on my blog on Fridays. Exceptionally, due to Daring Bakers schedules, the Wednesday recipe will be posted on Saturday (28th of February, around 12h00 AM) instead...

As I still had a few shots left of my trip to Lausanne (in November 2008), I thought that I'd show you how the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and it's surroundings look. Enjoy!

To see my other Lausanne posts, please follow the links below:
Lausanne Part 1, Lausanne Part 2, Lausanne Part 3, Lausanne Part 4.

LAUSANNE - TOWN CENTER

Once again, we are going to visit Lausanne. Remember, last time we took the m2 metro and then walked up the hill in the direction of the Cathedral Notre-Dame (see old post)...

This Friday, we are going to wander through certain areas of this very charismatic town. I hope you'll enjoy my little tour despite the dreadful weather!

Fountain of Justice (see link) in Place de la Palud.
Pont Bessières.The view (on Le Flon) from that very bridge.The bridge as seen when going towards the Cathédrale Notre-Dame.The old town as seen from the top of the hill (cathedral area).Palais de Justice (Palace of Justice), Esplanade de Montbenon.

LAUSANNE - ARCHITECTURE

A week ago, in my last post about Lausanne, (pronounced "loo-ZANN") you might remember that we were still aound the lakeside in Ouchy (see post 1 & post 2). Well, this time, we are going to take the brand new automatic m2 metro for a short ride (from the Ouchy station to the Grancy one) and then, we are going to climb the steep hills of this great city, in the direction of the upper part of town...

Leaving the lakeside and going in the direction of the Ouchy metro station.
The metro has just arrived.
The Grancy station, close to the train station.Still climbing: Pont Bessière, in town.Bridge & metro line, superposed.
Old house opposite the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, at the top of Lausanne.

LAUSANNE - OUCHY

Today, I'm posting a few more shots that I took during our day trip in Lausanne. It is such an interesting place with many photogenic buildings that it is impossible not to go crazy and take gazillions of pictures!

Once again, those photos were taken around the lakeside in Ouchy, but instead of portraying the Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), I decided to show you what amazing architecture is to be found in that area (Ouchy Castle especially)...

LAUSANNE - THE LAKESIDE

During our holidays, we visited the pretty town of Lausanne, the capital of the Canton of Vaud. There, we spent the day, walked around the place and did a little shopping...

Lausanne is situated on the shores of Lac Léman, facing the Alps. It is located about 50km northeast of Geneva and it's name is of Roman origin. The Romans built a military camp near a Celtic settlement and called it "Lousanna". After the the fall of the Roman Empire, it was ruled by the Dukes of Savoy and the Bishop of Lausanne. Then it came under Berne from 1536 to 1798. Finally, during the Napoleonic Wars, its status changed. In 1803, it became the capital of a newly formed Swiss canton, Vaud under which it joined the Swiss Federation.

Here is a first batch of pictures (click on the photos to enlarge) I took around the magnificent lakeside in Ouchy. Unfortunately, the weather (cold, grey & miserable) wasn't very exciting and the conditions really not favourable for taking good shots... I hope you enjoy!