Canton of Vaud
Welcome to the captivating Canton of Vaud!
Situated in the heart of the Canton of Vaud lies its crown jewel, Lausanne, proudly holding the esteemed title of Switzerland’s Olympic capital city. Here, the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) finds its home, a testament to the city’s significance on the global stage.
As one of Switzerland’s most densely populated cantons, following Berne and Zurich, the Canton of Vaud thrives with vitality. Its economic prowess is resounding, with a network of over 40,000 companies. Flourishing in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, finance, research, and engineering, this environment fosters groundbreaking innovations and achievements.
The Canton of Vaud also stands as Switzerland’s second-largest wine-producing region, its vineyards a sight to behold. Among them, the “Lavaux” vineyard boasts UNESCO heritage status, inviting connoisseurs and enthusiasts to indulge in its world-class wines.
Moreover, the canton captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty, ranging from the serene shores of Lake Geneva to the awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. These landscapes truly epitomize Switzerland’s reputation as a haven for nature lovers.
Population
With a population of 799,145 inhabitants, this canton welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, with 33% of its residents originating from various corners of the globe. The official language spoken throughout the canton is French.
At its heart, Lausanne shines as a vibrant hub of culture and innovation, housing a population of 140,202 within the city itself, and a metropolitan area that extends to 400,000 residents.
Location
Encompassing 3,200 km2 , the region occupies 8% of Switzerland’s picturesque territor.
Lausanne and its welcoming suburbs hold an elevation range of 375 to 900 meters above sea level. The landscape gently slopes southward, contributing to the area’s undeniable scenic appeal.
Travelling in Lausanne
The city of Lausanne is conveniently situated just 40 minutes away from Geneva Airport.
Once you arrive in Lausanne, you’ll find that public transport is exceptionally well-developed, offering an efficient network of subways, buses, and trains operated by www.t-l.ch. For more information on the country’s extensive train stations and routes, www.cff.ch and www.sbb.ch are at your service, providing all the necessary details to plan your journey with ease.
For those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transportation, the city provides numerous cycling paths, inviting you to embark on delightful adventures. Moreover, the “Compagnie Générale de Navigation” (CGN) offers a great way to explore the picturesque scenery along the shores of Lake Geneva. These boat journeys provided by www.cgn.ch allow you to immerse yourself in the lakeside beauty of Switzerland.
International Olympic Comittee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), a prestigious non-governmental sports organization, proudly calls Lausanne its home and operates solely through private funding. Demonstrating its commitment to the wider sporting movement, an impressive 90% of its revenues are dedicated to supporting and empowering athletes and sports initiatives worldwide.
With a history dating back to 1894, the IOC was established just under two years before the inaugural Olympic Games of the modern era took place in April 1896.
At the core of its mission, the IOC organises the Olympic Games, both summer and winter editions, held every four years. As the guardian of this iconic sporting event and the leader of the Olympic Movement, the IOC aims to foster unity, friendship, and fair play among nations, transcending boundaries and promoting peace through the universal language of sports. With an inspiring vision, the International Olympic Committee strives to “Build a Better World through Sport.”
Rolex Learning Center
The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a remarkable building with a unique design which was crafted by the Japanese duo of the firm SANAA, the recipients of the 2010 Pritzker Prize.
This awe-inspiring structure stands as a symbol of intellectual excellence and creative ingenuity. The creation of this institution was made possible through the support of both the Swiss government and a group of dedicated private sponsors, including esteemed names like Rolex, Logitech, Nestlé, and Novartis.
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces stretch for about 30 kilometers along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva.
Preserving its rich history, the landscape beautifully narrate the story of the dedicated individuals who have nurtured these vineyards throughout the ages. Today, it is regarded as a site of universal value, a living heritage cherished by people across the globe.
Lavaux’s remarkable significance has earned the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region’s timeless natural beauty offers walkers a serene escape amidst the lush greenery and breathtaking views.
International schools
With a growing demand for quality education, Vaud holds the largest number of boarding schools in Switzerland.
When students choose to study in the canton of Vaud, they embark on a journey that leads to academic qualifications of the highest caliber. The education they receive here serves as an excellent pathway to world-renowned international universities and opens doors to a future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.
To secure a place for your child, we highly recommend submitting their application as soon as possible. The official registration date will be determined by the school’s receipt of your application.
International schools in Vaud:
- International school of Lausanne
- Haut Lac
- La Côte International School
- Institut Sainte-Marcelline
- Collège Champittet Lausanne
- Ecole nouvelle de la Suisse romande
- Brillantmont International school
Public holidays
- New Year: January 1st
- January 2nd
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Ascension
- Whit Monday
- Swiss National Holiday: August 1st
- “Jeûne Fédéral” (in the Canton of Vaud) is on the Monday following the third Sunday in September
- Christmas: December 25th