Best attractions and places to see in District de l'Ouest lausannois include a mix of historical sites, academic institutions, and natural areas. This dynamic region, comprising eight communes, offers diverse points of interest from the shores of Lake Geneva to its inland green spaces. Visitors can explore ancient churches, modern architectural marvels, and tranquil natural settings. The district provides a localized experience, complementing the adjacent city of Lausanne.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
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Popular around District de l'Ouest lausannois
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Renens train station was opened in 1856 with the inauguration of the Occidentalbahn. It was located on the line towards Lausanne and was part of the growing Western Swiss railway network. The station building shows the typical architectural style of the Wilhelminian period with a symmetrical facade.
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The Romanesque church of St. Sulpice in the canton of Vaud was built by the Abbey of Cluny in the 11th and 12th centuries. It was initially dedicated to Saint Sulpice and later to Mary Magdalene. After the occupation by Bern in 1536, the church became Protestant and came into the possession of the city of Lausanne. The priory disappeared after 1536 or was repurposed. The nave collapsed after the Reformation and was not rebuilt. The church is today a national historical monument. (Source: www.notrehistoire.ch).
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Renens VD train station since 1856: Lines of the OS opened on May 5, 1856. In 1856, traffic was opened in an easterly direction to Lausanne. The OS network expanded continuously on Lake Geneva. They were denied the opportunity to build a line to Geneva and thus connect to the French railway network. The short section on the Geneva cantonal territory was awarded to the Genf-Lyoner-Bahn, which founded its own company for the short railway line. This created the extremely unsatisfactory fact that three railway companies were involved on the route from Geneva to Neuchâtel. The individual Western Swiss railways were not particularly profitable. Therefore, the competing railway companies sought a joint operating company. Text / Source: https://www.bahnweb.ch/ Felix Meier https://www.bahnweb.ch/wp-content/cache/all/chemins-de-fer-de-la-suisse-occidentale-du-simplon/index.html
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Small harbour with many sailing boats - beautiful perspective in the evening with the mountains in the back.
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Nice little park with a great view over the lake. Directly on the water a narrow path leads to the east.
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The foundations of this church, an example of Romanesque art in Vaud, date from before the year 1000. Of the old Romanesque building, only the apses with semi-dome, the choir, the vaulted transept and a crossing surmounted by a square bell tower remain. The interior is extremely sober, although the colourful decoration softens the severity. The building has been used for Protestant worship since the 16th century.
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Imposing rock blocks that the Mèbre river has shaped by eroding in the layers of molasses, a friable rock made of consolidated sands. In a distant time, this rock was used to build some important buildings, including Lausanne Cathedral. Over time, « Le Pierre à Quatre sous », so named because of its low value, was replaced by other building materials.
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Nice view of waterfall
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The district offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. A must-see is the Romanesque Church of Saint-Sulpice, one of Switzerland's oldest churches, dating back to the 11th-12th century. You can also visit the Saint-Sulpice Church and Lake Geneva View, which offers stunning panoramas. Other notable sites include the Cantonal Archives of Vaud in Chavannes-près-Renens and the historically significant Temple de Broye in Prilly.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Waterfall on the Venoge River, known for its scenic setting. Along Lake Geneva in Saint-Sulpice, you can relax at Parc du Pelican, which offers beautiful lake views. Prilly boasts the lovely Parc de Valency with Mediterranean influences and panoramic vistas. Bussigny also features 'Nature en ville' initiatives like murgiers and ponds, enhancing urban biodiversity.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Saint-Sulpice Church and Lake Geneva View is family-friendly, offering space to explore near the lake. The Waterfall on the Venoge River is also a pleasant natural spot for all ages. Additionally, Crissier and Villars-Sainte-Croix are close to Jayland, an indoor inflatable amusement park, perfect for children.
Ecublens is home to the campuses of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). The Rolex Learning Center on the EPFL campus is an architectural marvel and a modern educational space, open to visitors. The SwissTech Convention Center, also at EPFL, is another example of contemporary design.
The District de l'Ouest lausannois is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging loops like 'Col du Marchairuz (1,449 m) – Le Pont loop from Bussigny'. For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Parc du Pelican – Lake Geneva Beach loop from University of Lausanne'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like 'La Pierre à Quatre Sous – Cascade de la Mèbre loop from Renens-Gare'. For more details on routes, visit the Road Cycling Routes, Easy Hikes, and MTB Trails guides for the region.
Absolutely. The Saint-Sulpice Church and Lake Geneva View is renowned for its breathtaking panoramas of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Parc du Pelican also offers great views over the lake. Additionally, Parc de Valency in Prilly provides excellent panoramic vistas.
While the Romanesque Church of Saint-Sulpice is well-known, exploring the commune of Bussigny's 'Nature en ville' initiatives, including its murgiers and ponds, offers a unique local experience. The 'Entre deux rivières' educational path in Chavannes-près-Renens also reveals often-overlooked natural areas between the town and the lake, providing a different perspective on the district's charm.
Yes, public transport is well-developed in the District de l'Ouest lausannois. For example, Renens VD Railway Station serves as a key hub, connecting to various parts of the district and beyond. The academic campuses in Ecublens (EPFL, UNIL) are also easily accessible by public transport.
Yes, efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. The Rolex Learning Center at EPFL is wheelchair accessible, offering an inclusive experience of its modern architecture. Renens VD Railway Station is also designed to be wheelchair accessible, facilitating travel within the district.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The serene setting of the Waterfall on the Venoge River and the stunning views from Saint-Sulpice Church and Lake Geneva View are often highlighted. The architectural beauty of the Romanesque church and the modern design of the Rolex Learning Center also receive positive feedback, showcasing the district's diverse appeal.
Yes, the district features beautiful waterfalls. The Waterfall on the Venoge River is a popular spot, known for its particular sound and scenic surroundings. Another charming waterfall is the Cascade de la Mèbre, a must-see on the banks of the Mèbre, though it involves a trail with steep stairs.
Yes, you can visit the Port de Pierrettes. Located along Lake Geneva, it offers a pleasant spot to enjoy the waterfront and is often included in walks or cycles along the lake.


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