The FBI and the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947 had put their magnifying glass on almost all of Hollywood investigating possible links to communism. Charles Chaplin, who had shown his staunch defense of peace, was no exception. He learned during a trip to Europe he was taking with his family in 1952 that he would not be allowed to return to the United States if he did not submit to interrogation.
He decided not to return. With yours settled in Switzerlandand only returned 20 years later to receive an honorary award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the longest ovation in Oscar history.
To live out the rest of his time, he chose the surroundings of a serene citybucolic, with its own rhythm and with a continuous spirit of relaxed vacations: Lausanne (Lausanne).
It is the first city at the southern end of Lake Geneva which chains a dozen among which are Geneva, Bern, Basel, Zurich, Lucerne, Freiburg, Montreax… all linked by a route what the locals call “Switzerland on foot.” A simple sequence to do in auto or in internal public transport (free for tourists).
Lausanne, called the Saint Francis of Switzerland, is the capital of the canton of Vaud, a lively university town y Olympic Capitalwith the headquarters chosen by the International Committee in 1914.
French is spoken, although English is very common. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so it retains its currency: the Swiss franc (1 CHF is equivalent to 1.14 dollars).
It has been built on three hills that turn it into a town with stunning views and steep streets that form terraces facing south.
Its surroundings are strewn with artisanal vineyards. Right in front of you are the Savoy Alps, on the French Riviera.
The route is usually divided into two:
- the lake coastin the small port of Ouchy, where the most luxurious memories of the Belle Époque are kept: the Beau Rivage Palace dating back to 1857, the first luxury summer hotel that remains a classic today;
- he old towndominated by the Cathedral, considered the most impressive work of the early Gothic period.
It can be a good alternative to base yourself and explore that region of Switzerland from this city.
It is common for neighboring cities like Zurich or Geneva to steal the spotlight, but their charming smallness leaves everything close by and invites you to appreciate the serene life of artists and gourmets.
The heart of Lausanne: the historic center
The old center, perfect to be walked from end to end, with Cobbled streets It offers perfect images to immerse yourself in the DNA of the Middle Ages, but full of colorful shops and restaurants.
The charming Place de la Palud It is the classic meeting place to sit down and have a drink and watch the day go by.
In the center is the Fountain of Justice, the oldest in the city.
Every 30 minutes the time marks bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Of gothic inspiration, is a key attraction for the visitor. It was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and was consecrated in 1275. The paintings that can still be seen inside are the best preserved in Europe from that time.
The greatest curiosity? Between 10 at night and 2 in the morning, Alexandre Schmid appears at the top of the bell tower and shouts every hour to the inhabitants.
Its role, which historically aimed to police the city, now continues with the goal of perpetuating a 600-year-old tradition.
The cultural wealth of the city does not give peace.
La Collection de l’Art Brut at Chateau Beaulieu (3-day pass from CHF6.7); the Fondation de l’Hermitage (22 CHF, $25); Platform 10 (38 CHF, $43 to visit the entire complex), the arts district, which brings together the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA), the Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts (Mudac) and the Photo Elysée, In addition to the Aquatis (online tickets 29 CHF, 33 dollars), the Europe’s largest freshwater aquariumfill the agenda.
Los museums have free admission on the first Saturday of each month.
A good alternative may be to consult the agenda of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, which is based here and can be a fortunate theatrical experience in the very busy artistic agenda that the city offers.
On the coast of the lake is the Olympic Museum (from CHF 14, $16), with 3,000 m² of exhibition space, features interactive displays, temporary thematic displays and specific sculptural works that attempt to reflect the Olympic spirit from its origins. A perfect idea for Saturdays or Sundays is the brunch who serves your coffee, TOM, with priceless views of Lake Geneva and mountains.
The vineyards and the World of Chaplin
Lausanne, furthermore, is one of the 12 wine capitals of the world. Steps from the center is Lavaux, a 30 km vineyard area. declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
He castillo Chillon (14 CHF, 15 dollars), also on the outskirts, is the best preserved from its time in Europe and the most visited in Switzerland.
The Chaplin’s house (Chaplin’s World, 30 CHF, 34 dollars), in the town of Corsier-sur-Vevey, is today a impeccable museumwith a magnificent reconstruction of his career, which includes the Oscar tribute and handwritten scripts.
Before leaving it is inexorable a stop at Café Beau-Rivagethe most classic gastronomic site in operation in the city that brings together the most conspicuous of Lausanne.
If it happens, it happens there. Perfect for relaxing, letting yourself be carried away by the passing of the hours, cradled by the gentle waves of the lake.