Hey everyone,

I have been living in Lausanne for the last 3 months and I have to say I am getting a little bored . Especially on Sundays!

I normally like cool little cafés and bars, but have only found a couple so far and I am already losing my interest. My bf and I also enjoy good food or brunch, but we find both dull and overprized here and we are actually running out of ideas. Going to the lake has been an option during the summer, but what about the winter?

I would like to give this city a second chance, so I am open to new ideas on how to spend our leisure time and also suggestions for cafés, bars, restaurants, concerts etc. in Lausanne and the surroundings.

Thanks!

I feel your pain Despina. I too love going out for breakfast but the choice and price have really put me off since living in Switzerland. Anyway, in case it helps, here are some of my favourite cafes in Lausanne:

Cafe de Grancy - in sous gare. Pretty popular, everyone seems to know it. You've probably already found it.
Cafe St Pierre - up near Hotel de la Paix in the centre. Apparently owned by the same people as de Grancy. Good vibe, I love the decor.
Cafe des Avenues - near Mont Choisi. They do a good coffee and have a relaxed atmosphere.

If you have a car, venture out into the countryside and check out:

Chalet des Enfants - not just for kids. Indoor and outdoor seating, out in the fields surrounded by cows. Take a walk in the forest before or after their fab brunch.
Auberge de l'Abbaye - found this place only recently and really love it. Only eaten lunch and dinner there a few times but it is a great place for both location and food.

HTH

We've got to pull one of these together and have some fun and meet up

If you feel like wandering to Lutry, Vincent's is open on Sunday and they have wonderful patisseries... And a very nice choice of croissants and things for a (late) breakfast.

Thanks a million Mel07! I am definitely gonna try them all!

Lutry looks really nice. Also in my to-visit list!

I can't do anything about overpriced. But for a change you could hop on a train to Morges or Nyon. Or take the boat from Ouchy to Evian. Or the train to Vevey? Or the boat from Nyon to Yvoire in France. Or Sunday lunch on one of the steamers on Lac Leman. Or take the train from Lausanne to Neuchatel or Lausanne to Fribourg or Lausanne to Bern. Why not take the TGV on Saturday evening and have a weekend in Dijon. Or a weekend in Milan?

For a lunch with a stunning view (perhaps after a walk through the vineyards- spectacular in autumn):
http://www.barontavernier.ch/

In Winter the lakeshore dies and you have to head for the mountains which is more effort. Good thing is you can do it all by train. For example take the train from Lausanne to Montreux and connect with the Golden Panorama for lunch in Gstaad. Or go further on to Aigle for and take the train to Les Diablarets. Or keep going to Bex and connect to Villars/Bretaye.

In Lutry you can also take the 'Train des vignes' which works on Wednesday and Sunday afternoon and takes you for a visit of the vineyards of Lavaux... There's even a package where the train stops in a few 'caveaux' and you can do some wine tasting.

Oh no! I meant overpriced and not overprized of course, but it won't let me edit my initial post anymore.

The arboretum in Aubonne is also enjoyable if you like nature (and don't mind a bit of a climb).

and the link to it

http://www.arboretum.ch/

Have you visited the Chateau de Chillon yet?

And had lunch in Villeneuve or Montreux or Le Bouveret

I really think the main thing is to change your expectations from "brunch" to a nice long lunch. Or invite people over for brunch. It's one of my favorite things to do.

I think it's also a question of getting to know people that may be difficult.
During the week it's fine because most people work (a lot)
But during the week-end, you'd like to go out for a brunch/lunch on a Sunday and chat the afternoon away.

It's not just finding a place, it's also who to invite and who would like to come.

I'd come...

What about joining a sports association? Skiing in Switzerland in winter is a must if you like it, and Lausanne has very good rowing clubs, just my two c. I too would be bored if all I did was trying cafés, independently on whether I was in New York, London, Paris, or Yverdon-les-Bains.

Another vote for Cafe de Grancy. Almost opposite there is Le Romantica in Boulevard de Grancy. Much smaller but nice cakes.

On the lakeside in Ouchy you can get a very reasonably priced pizza or pasta at the Boccalino

Nope! Not yet!

Hehe! I kind of expected this kind of answer ! I actually thought of writing in my initial post, that (as a Greek) I am not really fond of sports, but I can't deny that you're right. I've promised myself that I am going to try skiing this winter, although it scares me to death .