Things To Do
in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne is a picturesque hillside village just west of Lausanne, offering sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It blends tranquil residential charm with accessible trails and a charming old church. The town is known for its close proximity to Lausanne's cultural attractions while preserving a quiet, village atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy strolling along vineyards, local eateries, and easy access to the lake and city amenities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Morning Stroll in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne
morning
:

Start your day with a scenic walk through the picturesque streets of Le Mont-sur-Lausanne. Enjoy the fresh morning air and take in the views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. Stop by a local bakery to pick up some fresh pastries for a delightful breakfast.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Olympic Museum in Lausanne to discover the history of the games and see exhibits showcasing athletes in action. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a café along the lakeside, where you can taste regional dishes while enjoying a serene view. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to Le Mont-sur-Lausanne and enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant featuring Swiss cuisine. Savor fondue or raclette, dining on local favorites as you relax in a cozy atmosphere. Wrap up your evening with a gentle walk under the stars, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

day 2
Exploring Lavaux Vineyards
morning
:

Spend your morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux vineyards, where you can hike between terraces that offer breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. Stop at several viewpoints along your trek to capture stunning photographs of the landscape. Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the winemaking process in this picturesque region.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in a wine tasting session at one of the local wineries, sampling exceptional wines produced in the area. Pair your tastings with a light lunch featuring local specialties to complement the flavors. Afterward, take some time to relax at a nearby lake beach, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and possibly taking a swim.

evening
:

As day transitions to night, head back to your accommodation and freshen up before dinner. Consider dining at a vineyard restaurant to enjoy a meal paired with the best local wines you sampled earlier. Experience the vibrant local nightlife or simply unwind on your balcony while enjoying the serene views.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🥗Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant)$60-120
🛒Basic groceries for a week$60-120
🚆One-way public transport ticket$4-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Picturesque setting with lake and mountain views
  • Excellent public transport and safety
  • High-quality cuisine and wine nearby
  • Compact and walkable village with easy access to Lausanne
  • Rich outdoor activities in all seasons
  • Quiet nightlife may feel limited for some travelers
  • Prices in the region are relatively high
  • Some attractions require travel to Lausanne for major museums
  • Hilly terrain can be tiring for some visitors
  • Seasonal crowds in Lavaux during harvest season
  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où sont les toilettes?" - Where are the toilets?
  • "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Pouvez-vous répéter?" - Can you repeat?
  • "Je suis perdu" - I am lost
  • "Pouvez-vous parler lentement?" - Can you speak slowly?
  • "Où est le train pour Lausanne?" - Where is the train to Lausanne?

Places to Visit in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Visit one of these nice places.

Panoramic views from Le Mont-sur-Lausanne hillside

Sweeping terrace viewpoints offering views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

Iconic UNESCO-listed terraces along the lake with golden hour light. Best in sunrise or sunset.

Sauvabelin Tower and Forest (Lausanne)

A wooden tower with a 360-degree view over Lausanne, the lake, and the Alps.

Culinary Guide

Food in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Vaud cuisine reflects Swiss and French influences, with lake fish, fresh produce, and hearty fondue style dishes. In Le Mont-sur-Lausanne you’ll find relaxed bistros and village markets offering seasonal fare and local wines from nearby Lavaux.

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rösti

Crispy fried potatoes served as a breakfast staple or as a side dish.

Must-Try!

Filets de perche du Lac Léman

Pan-fried perch fillets in a lemon-butter sauce, a lunchtime staple near the lake.

Papet Vaudois

A comforting leek and potato dish often served with sausage.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Lausanne - Place Riponne / Place de la Palud

Vibrant markets with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties.

Lakefront cafés and seasonal stalls

Casual spots offering tartines, crepes, and light snacks with lake views.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a temperate climate with warm summers, cool winters, and a significant lake effect moderating temperatures. Rain is possible year-round, with wetter periods in late spring and autumn. Spring and autumn are mild; winters can bring snow in the surrounding mountains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and meetings; Swiss value punctuality.

Greetings

A firm handshake and a polite greeting in French: 'Bonjour'.

Quiet hours

Keep voices down in residential areas, especially in the evenings.

Recycling

Follow local recycling rules; separate waste in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Switzerland is very safe. Standard travel precautions apply: watch valuables in tourist areas, especially at markets, and be prepared for mountain weather changes. If hiking, inform someone of your route and carry appropriate clothing and water.

Tipping in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charge is often included; leaving a small extra tip for good service is common but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blossoming vineyards; bring a light jacket for cool mornings.

Summer

Warm days ideal for lake activities; expect lake breezes and potential crowds in lakeside areas.

Autumn

Harvest season in Lavaux; colorful vineyards and milder temperatures; rain possible.

Winter

Cold with possible snow in the Alps; evenings are chilly; cozy cafés and markets are common.

Nightlife Guide

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne at Night

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne is quiet at night, with most nightlife centered in Lausanne. Expect cozy wine bars, cafés, and small bistros that stay open later in peak seasons. For a livelier scene, head to Lausanne for clubs, live music venues, and riverside bars along Ouchy and the city center.

Hiking in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Walk

Hiking along UNESCO-listed terraces with lake views.

Sauvabelin Forest Trail

Forest walks with a tower viewpoint in Lausanne.

Mont-Pèlerin to Vevey trail

Hill and lake views on a hillside trail near the lake.

Airports

How to reach Le Mont-sur-Lausanne by plane.

Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Primary international gateway for the region; frequent rail connections to Lausanne and Mont-sur-Lausanne.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub in northern Switzerland; efficient rail links to Lausanne via high-speed trains.

Sion Airport (SIR)

Smaller regional airport offering limited seasonal flights; shorter transfer to the Vaud region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Le Mont-sur-Lausanne itself is a compact, walkable village with steep lanes and scenic viewpoints. The surrounding area is well connected by footpaths and bike lanes to Lausanne and the Lavaux vineyards. Expect some hills and stairs, but most tourist spots are reachable on foot or by short rides.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Lausanne is a university city with a large student population and international residents.

Families

Residential community with good schools and parks.

Expats

Cosmopolitan vibe with international residents in the lake Lausanne area.

Retirees

Quiet neighborhoods with access to nature and healthcare.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice hockey

A popular sport in the region with local teams and fan culture.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby Alpine resorts offer winter sports within a short drive or train ride.

Rowing and water sports

Lakeside activities on Lake Geneva in summer.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transportation is efficient and widely used; Lausanne has a dense tram and rail network. Driving is convenient but parking can be expensive and traffic can be heavier during peak commuting hours and tourist seasons. Cycling and walking are good alternatives for local travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Le Mont-sur-Lausanne.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer meat-free options; look for vegetable dishes, vegetarian fondues, and salads. In Vaud, inform staff upfront about dairy choices if you avoid dairy.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the region is excellent. Switzerland has universal coverage health system; you’ll use private insurance for services. In emergencies, call 144 for emergency medical services and seek care at CHUV in Lausanne or local clinics as needed.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide