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Lausanne, a cinematic backdrop: What if your next journey became an unforgettable film?

You’re comfortably settled, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, scrolling through destinations that spark your imagination. And suddenly, a revelation: Lausanne. But not just any Lausanne. The one that belongs in films, where stories come to life and emotions unfold in unforgettable scenes.

Lausanne has always had that cinematic allure—the shimmering light over Lake Geneva, the labyrinth of mysterious alleys, the perfect balance of luxury, elegance, and intrigue. For decades, filmmakers have been captivated by its atmosphere, turning it into the backdrop of timeless masterpieces.

From breathtaking lakeside views to vineyard-covered hills, Lausanne has set the stage for enchanting stories. Now, step into these iconic films that celebrate the city and let yourself be swept away by a setting worthy of the big screen.

Mystery and elegance on the shores of Lake Geneva

In L'Année dernière à Marienbad (1961), Alain Resnais weaves an enigmatic tale set in a lavish baroque hotel. A man tries to convince a woman that they met a year ago, but memory and reality blur into an eerie dreamscape. Though the film doesn’t explicitly name Lausanne, parts of it were filmed here, echoing the grandeur of the city’s historic hotels and their hushed, elegant ambiance.

Lausanne through Last Year at Marienbad
Lausanne’s grand hotels, with their timeless architecture and immaculate gardens, exude the same enigmatic charm. Wandering through the streets of Ouchy, the lakeside gardens, or the pathways of Parc de Mon-Repos, you step into a cinematic dream.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Stay in a luxurious suite where every detail whispers of a refined past. Enjoy a cocktail at LP’s Bar, where the dim lighting and plush atmosphere transport you to another era.

The sweetness of chocolate and the thrill of mystery

In Merci pour le Chocolat (2000), Claude Chabrol casts Isabelle Huppert as a Swiss chocolatier at the center of a dark, suspenseful story set in Lausanne. The film unfolds through the city’s narrow streets and its rich chocolate-making heritage.

Lausanne through Merci pour le Chocolat
Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, and Lausanne is no exception. Since the 19th century, pioneers like Charles-Amédée Kohler have made it a hub of fine chocolate. Today, from Jorge Cardoso Chocolatier, world champion, to artisanal workshops in the old town, Lausanne offers a sensory journey through the world of ganaches and pralines.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Indulge in an exclusive afternoon tea at Bar 1915, where each delicate bite tells a story of Swiss craftsmanship.

Architecture as a dramatic backdrop

In L'amour est un crime parfait (2013), the Larrieu brothers craft a gripping thriller against the backdrop of Lausanne’s modernist university campus. The bold architecture and surrounding landscapes amplify the film’s intrigue and intensity.

Lausanne through Love is a Perfect Crime
The University of Lausanne and EPFL, with their avant-garde architecture and sweeping lake views, reflect the city’s dynamic energy. Beyond academia, Lausanne’s contemporary spirit thrives in Plateforme 10, the Flon district, and the city’s cutting-edge cultural spaces.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
After an inspiring walk through Lausanne’s urban landmarks, retreat to the Palace Spa, a haven of calm amidst the city’s vibrant pulse.

A grand vignette of the Lavaux Vineyards

Les Vignes du Seigneur (1932) takes viewers into the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site just minutes from Lausanne. The film captures the romance and tradition woven into this stunning wine-growing landscape.

Lausanne through Les Vignes du Seigneur
Lavaux’s terraced vineyards offer breathtaking panoramas, where history and terroir meet in every glass of Chasselas. As you wander these rolling hills, it’s easy to see why poets and filmmakers have been drawn to this cinematic setting.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Extend your journey with a wine tasting in the Palace’s Cellar, featuring local crus, including the exclusive Clos du Palace, a Merlot cultivated in the hotel's hidden vineyard.

Lighthearted romance on the shores of Lake Geneva

Au Pair (1999) is a charming, feel-good romance that captures Lausanne’s sophisticated yet relaxed way of life. From stylish shopping to scenic lakeside strolls, the film celebrates Swiss elegance.

Lausanne through Au Pair
With its boutique-lined streets, charming cafés, and panoramic lake views, Lausanne embodies romance. A quiet moment in the Botanical Garden, an intimate dinner overlooking the Alps, or a sunset cocktail on a rooftop terrace—every detail exudes effortless chic.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Savor a cocktail on the terrace, then step into the LP’s Bar for a live music night, the perfect setting for a timeless evening.

A family drama in the heart of Vaud

Petite Sœur (2020) by Stéphanie Chuat and Véronique Reymond follows a Lausanne-based playwright who puts her career on hold to care for her ailing brother. Filmed largely in Lausanne and across the Vaud region, the movie is a poignant ode to love and resilience.

Lausanne through Petite Sœur 
The landscapes of Vaud, from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Vidy Theatre, add depth to the film’s emotional storytelling. Lausanne’s vibrant arts scene, including the Cinémathèque Suisse and the Collection de l’Art Brut, enriches its cultural fabric.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Find inspiration in the serenity of the lake, a book in hand, before enjoying a gourmet dinner at La Table, where storytelling and culinary artistry intertwine.

Lausanne in its raw and authentic beauty

Hors Saison (2023), directed by Stéphane Brizé and starring Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher, casts Lausanne in a new light—the city as seen through shifting seasons, where mist over the lake sets the stage for an intimate, poetic drama.

Lausanne through Hors Saison
This film highlights Lausanne’s timeless, contemplative beauty. Whether strolling along the quays of Lake Geneva or gazing over the Lavaux vineyards, the city feels like a sanctuary where time slows and emotions unfold.

Your scene at Lausanne Palace
Let Lausanne’s cinematic atmosphere inspire you. Whether you prefer a romantic drama, a thrilling mystery, or a lighthearted escape, the city has set the scene for unforgettable films—and now, it’s your turn to step into the story.

Live your own cinematic story at Lausanne Palace

Whether you see yourself in a romantic classic, an intriguing thriller, or a whimsical adventure, Lausanne has been the setting of iconic films—and now, it invites you to create your own.

With our exclusive package “One Night, One Story, One Screen,” immerse yourself in a cinematic experience:

• A night in a legendary palace, where history and elegance meet
• A signature dinner at La Brasserie, where every bite tells a story
• A memorable evening at the iconic Cinéma Le Capitole