Albert Camus once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” And honestly, could there be a better description of Lausanne right now?
The air feels cleaner, the light softer, and every tree seems to be showing off. This is the season that reminds us to slow down, breathe deeply, and take it all in—because like the leaves, moments don’t last forever. So we’ve rounded up our favorite autumn walks in and around Lausanne to help you do just that. Lace up, step out, and let the city show you its golden side.
Sauvabelin
Just on the peripheral of the city, but still very much a part of Lausanne, lies Sauvabelin. A perfect place for nature lovers, families, or people who just want to escape the noise of the city and take some time to be in the forest. There’s the famous Tour de Sauvabelin which boasts panoramic views of Lausanne and the lake below, as well as a small lake surrounded by animals of the region, a newly renovated park, and a small restaurant.
Parc de Valency
It’s a small park, but with huge autumn feels. At the peak of the season, the pathway is littered with yellows and oranges and bright leaves contrast so beautifully with the dark bark of the tree trunks. This is a perfect park for leafy fights or if you’re pressed for time but want an autumnal moment all the same.
Lavaux Vineyards
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason, and we believe that autumn is one of the best times to take a stroll amongst the golden vines with views of Lac Leman below. It’s also the harvesting season, which means a celebration for all things wine. We recommend taking a picnic and finding a bench or picnic table, or visiting one of the many wine caves in the region for a tasting. Please be reminded that you aren’t allowed to walk within the vines, nor pick grapes. This is the livelihood of winegrowers in the region and should be respected.
One of our favorite villages to start our walk is Chexbres.
La Cité
We know there aren’t many trees in La Cité, but the few that frame the cathedral burst into the most brilliant shades of yellow and orange—standing out beautifully against the stone façade of Notre Dame. It’s one of those simple, breathtaking scenes that makes you stop and stare. And if you really want to be moved, head to the lookout point at the base of the cathedral (or climb to the top) just before sunset. The golden light over the rooftops, lake, and mountains is pure magic. We live here. Can you believe it?
Chalet-à-Gobet
Expansive forests, streams, running and mountain bike trails, wide-open fields, horse riding paths, parcours vita courses, and plenty of opportunities to get lost. Chalet-à-Gobet (which we now affectionately call “CHAG”) has been our go-to spot just about any time we feel like we need a dose of nature nearby. There are even little places scattered throughout the forests to build fires and roast sausages, have picnics, and just explore. In the wintertime, if there’s enough snow, there’s a small magic carpet installed with a perfect hill for beginner skiers to give it a go.
Vidy
Walk along the shores of Lac Leman and appreciate the contrast of the bright leaves with the blue-greys of the lake. We found the real treat is watching the sun dip below the horizon, almost matching the brilliant orange and red hues found in the foliage alongside the walking path.
For the best autumn colors, start in Vidy and walk direction St. Sulpice. Stop by the infamous driveway of plane trees right in front of UNIL or the “banane” where you may need to navigate around Instagrammers trying to get their perfect autumn shot.
Belmont-Sur-Lausanne
Tucked above Belmont-sur-Lausanne, the Refuge de Malâtête loop offers the best of both worlds: peaceful forest trails and open fields that, on clear days, frame the Alps in all their glory. Kids (and grown-ups) will love spotting the nearby zipline, while the rest of us can simply breathe in the piney air and enjoy the quiet charm of this hidden corner of nature.
Lutry
Ok, we know Lutry isn’t technically Lausanne—but we have nothing but love for our charming neighbor. It may be small and not overflowing with foliage, yet there’s something undeniably magical about its cobblestoned streets and vine-covered facades this time of year. Wander through town, grab a crêpe by the nautical club or a coffee from local favorite Rush Coffee, and soak in that crisp autumn breeze. (You can read more about what we love to do in Lutry.)
And while you’re at it, neighboring Cully is another favorite for a fall stroll.
Lausanne Botanical Gardens
Open all year round, and every day (except for a few days around the holidays) the Lausanne Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to witness how the changing of the seasons affect the flora around us. Centrally located next to the Parc de Milan, it’s a peaceful activity with frequent exhibitions. One of the best perks? Entry is free.
Pully
Just beyond the Pully Val-Vert bus stop, slip down from Boulevard de la Forêt and you’ll find yourself in a quiet pocket of woodland where the Paudèze and Chandelar rivers meet. It’s one of those hidden-in-plain-sight places — shaded, serene, and perfect for an unhurried autumn moment. Follow the trails along the water, find a spot to sit by the riverbank, and watch the leaves drift by.
Mercy Ships Loop
Just between above Chailly, a small neighborhood in Lausanne, there’s a working farm and locally loved running/walking loop that’s open to the public. It’s technically the land that hosts the Mercy Ships HQ, but the trails are all open and accessible. In the autumn, walk the undulating hills that switch between canopied forests and open fields–witnessing the change of the land, and of the crop nearby as farm hands tend to the soil nearby.
Location is across from the Rovéréaz Farm, access from Route d’Oron.
Are there any other autumn walks you’d add to the list? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
