Lausanne is the only real Olympic City

Hosting more than 50 Olympic Associations

LAUSANNE: Hypnotized by the silver rays of the moon flickering on lake Leman, my colleague Nadir from Dubai media whispered “ How do you define paradise?”. Under the magic spell of the crispy Chasselas white wine I said: “ Paradise is having this perfect dinner while marvelling at unspoiled beauty, fresh wholesome and perfect! In a real Olympic City”

The setting of Lausanne is picturesque. Built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes with Lake Geneva at its feet. The Jura Mountains lie to the north and the Vaud Alps to the east with chalet villages and glaciers.

In the early morning and after a short promenade at the lake we met Nathalie Nini Rey. She is a veteran guide who escorted us in a thrilling tour of Belle Lausanne. Hopping from place St. Francois to gourmet store La Ferme Vaudoise. Via chic boutiques across historical landmarks. We Visited Lausanne Gothic Cathedral which Played a vital role in the development of the region that had to cope with shifting alliances in the middle of conflicting powers.

Coco Channel

La Cite is strategically located between Bern and Geneva and still envy to the World due to its gifted logistics. Pierre De Coubertin, founder of the Olympic Movement wisely selected the city as headquarters of The International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1914. He even made it his final resting place. Another French icon, Coco Channel the legendary fashion and passion pioneer opted to be buried next to Baron Coubertin.

Lausanne enjoys a fluid transportation network linking you to major European capitals and resorts. The international presence of more than fifty Olympic Associations plus world class hotels and dining facilities (Le Pirate). Serving catch of the day Perch enhanced by colourful Tapas is just another brick in the wall.

Art, fun, fashion

The Felon district is another witness of la creativite Lausannoise. It reflects the smart transition of a backyard area into a modern appealing zesty zone. Portraying art, fun, fashion and entertainment or Simply La Joie de Vivre. Apart from the leading Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne there are outstanding educational institutions and competitive universities established since the early days of the founding fathers.

Juerg Schmid, president of Switzerland Tourism entertained a contingent of 140 media partners who flew by Swiss Air from 39 destinations worldwide. The cocktail reception held in the Olympic Museum was warm, Intimate and friendly as usual. We got emotional while reviewing the pictures of world recognized athletes and medal winners since the early twentieth century.

A global hub

Lorenzo Stoll, head of Western Switzerland at Swiss International Air Lines highlighted future projections of Swiss Air to network world venues and enhance the vibrant Swiss metropolis as global hub for international visitors and cargo service.

Alessandra de Raemy, Public relations & communications director of the Beau-Rivage Royale shocked our senses with a deluxe tour of the 1861 diamond in the Swiss heritage hospitality crown! Then we drove above the hills to explore a rustic medieval lunch at Abbaye De Montheron. An ancient monastery partly converted to host wandering media globetrotters and regular Pellegrinos as well.

Attacked at lunch

It seems the trend to consume Tapas in continental Europe is unstoppable. At Montheron we committed an earthly sin as we munched at the tender veal of a baby calf. A wild bee attacked me feverishly as a revenge and Chef Romano offered strong wines, flavoured espresso and even a double Serving of Glace et Sorbets to soothe the pain. I only felt relaxed after digesting a slice of aged Gruyere. We genuinely appreciated the company of Ms. Veronique Jayet, project director from Lausanne Tourism & Sarah from Zurich Tourismus. They made our media tour pleasurable and profitable. Baron Coubertin once been quoted that “the game and not winning is the ultimate aim”. Coubertin was French and never managed to visit this real Olympic City.

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