Lousonna – Roman Lausanne — Lausanne
Attraction 20 / 20 · Roman remains · Musée romain de Lausanne-Vidy

Lousonna — the Roman town on the shores of Lake Geneva

Before the cathedral hill, Lausanne was a Roman port town on the lakeshore at Vidy. Its remains lie in a park by the water, next to the Roman Museum built on a Roman house.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Lousonna – Roman Lausanne

At a glance

Where
Chemin du Bois-de-Vaux 24, 1007 Lausanne
Vidy, on the lakeshore
Opening hours
Museum Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00
Remains: open access
Tickets
Adults CHF 8 · AVS/AI CHF 5
Free under 18 and on the first Saturday
Time to plan
1–2 hours
Accessibility
Lift to the permanent exhibition
Accessible toilets
Best for
History · Families · Lakeside walks

Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.

Why go

Lousonna

In Roman times, the main settlement of Lausanne was not on the hill but on the shore of the lake at Vidy: Lousonna, a busy port and trading town on the route between Italy and the Rhine. Streets, a forum, a basilica and houses have been brought to light.

The remains can be explored freely in a park by the lake. Nearby, the Musée romain de Lausanne-Vidy, built on the remains of a Roman house, presents everyday objects, inscriptions and lively temporary exhibitions on Roman life.

History

Key dates

  1. 1st c. BC

    A settlement develops on the shore at Vidy.

  2. 1st–3rd c.

    Lousonna flourishes as a port and trading town.

  3. Late Antiquity

    The population moves up to the safer hill of the Cité.

  4. Today

    Archaeological park and Musée romain de Lausanne-Vidy.

Visiting the museum

The Musée romain de Lausanne-Vidy is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. Admission is CHF 8 (CHF 5 reduced) and free for under-18s, students, apprentices and everyone on the first Saturday of the month.

The 3-day pass (CHF 12) also gives access to the Collection de l’Art Brut and the Musée Historique Lausanne.

Did you know?

Lousonnathe Roman name of Lausanne
CHF 8adult ticket — free under 18
11–18 hmuseum opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday
Freeopen-air remains in the lakeside park
Lousonna – Roman Lausanne

Plan your visit

Getting there

  • Bus 24, stop Siège du CIO.
  • Bus 25, stop Bois-de-Vaux (bus 1 on weekdays).
  • On foot along the lake from Ouchy (about 30 minutes).

Our tips

  • Closed on Mondays (except some holidays), on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January.
  • Coco Chanel’s grave is in the Bois-de-Vaux cemetery, on the same street.
  • Walk among the remains, then along the lake towards Ouchy.
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Nearby attractions

Coco Chanel’s Grave04Coco Chanel’s Grave7 min on foot Plateforme 1008Plateforme 102.1 km Esplanade de Montbenon18Esplanade de Montbenon2.1 km Collection de l’Art Brut09Collection de l’Art Brut2.1 km

Frequently asked questions

What was Lousonna?

The Roman town of Lausanne, a port on the lakeshore at Vidy.

Are the remains free to visit?

Yes, the open-air remains are freely accessible.

How much is the Roman Museum?

CHF 8 for adults, CHF 5 reduced; free under 18 and on the first Saturday of the month.

When is the museum open?

Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.

How do I get there?

Bus 24 to Siège du CIO or bus 25 to Bois-de-Vaux.

Official sources

VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.