Sauvabelin

Park, lake, tower and zoo. Sauvabelin is a small natural setting that's a joy to stroll through at any time of year. Perched to the north of the city of Lausanne at an altitude of around 650 metres, Sauvabelin Park is home to a host of attractions. A great walk to enjoy with family and friends. On the programme: meeting the farm animals, a walk in the forest, a relaxing break by the lake and a panoramic view from the top of its beautiful tower.

Gracefully perched at 35 metres, the tower is a little wooden jewel built in 2003. It was built to blend into the forest landscape. And the gamble paid off! Just a few minutes from the artificial lake, the tower stands out for its double-helix staircase, which means that those climbing to the top and those descending to the forest do not pass each other. In total, it has 302 steps - 151 for climbing and 151 for descending - each of which was funded by a different patron. Once you've climbed the 151 steps, you'll be treated to a magnificent view over the treetops. The whole of Lake Geneva, the French Alps and the different regions are revealed.

In bad weather, the tower is closed to the public for safety reasons. For the rest of the time, it is open to the public.

In the heart of the Sauvabelin forest, an artificial body of water is fed by springs, should the city of Lausanne's water network need it. The lake covers an area of 15,000 m². With a view to developing tourism, this stretch of water was created in 1889 and used for canoeing in summer and ice skating in winter.

Today, the lake is still a tourist attraction and offers a beautiful loop walk (duration of the walk: 2 hours; distance: 7 km and difference in altitude: 200 metres). The walk starts in the Flon district at the Place de l'Europe, then passes by the Hôtel de Ville, the market steps, the cathedral and the Saint-Laurent church.

Sauvabelin is the ideal place for a family outing. Near the lake, a small animal park has been home to furry and feathered residents since 2005. The residents cluck, bleat and growl. Children will notice that the pigs aren't pink (woolly pigs) and the goats have horns (booted goats).

There are also cows, Valais red sheep and chickens. They are part of the non-commercial Pro Specie Rara foundation, which protects the heritage and genetic diversity of animals and plants. After visiting the mini-zoo, the children can play in the play area.

This forest covers some 80 hectares, where centuries-old oak trees stand proudly. There are a number of paths where you can bathe in the forest and improve your health tenfold. These walks in the heart of nature are good for the immune system, to relieve high blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia...

Nestling in this dense forest, an ancient medieval watchtower overlooks the town. From here, you can admire a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding area.