Esplanade de Montbenon — Lausanne
Attraction 18 / 20 · Panoramic esplanade · Palais de Justice · Cinémathèque suisse

Esplanade de Montbenon — Lausanne’s balcony over the lake

A former parade ground turned into a flat promenade of more than half a kilometre — one of the finest viewpoints over Lake Geneva, with the Palais de Justice and the Casino, home of the Cinémathèque suisse.

Plan your visit Official website Open in Google Maps
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Esplanade de Montbenon

At a glance

Where
Esplanade de Montbenon, 1003 Lausanne
A few steps from Saint-François
Opening hours
Open access
Tickets
Free
Length
More than 500 metres, entirely flat
Accessibility
Flat, step-free
Best for
Views · Picnics · Cinema

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

Why go

Esplanade de Montbenon

Montbenon is a former parade ground (place d’armes) transformed into a promenade. Over more than half a kilometre, it is entirely flat — a rarity in hilly Lausanne — and offers one of the most beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alps of Savoy.

Along the shaded walk, flowerbeds and a fountain, you pass the statue of William Tell, the imposing Renaissance-style Palais de Justice and the Casino de Montbenon, which houses the Cinémathèque suisse among other uses.

History

Key dates

  1. Past

    Montbenon serves as the town’s parade ground.

  2. 1886

    Inauguration of the Palais de Justice, first seat of the Federal Supreme Court.

  3. 1927

    The Federal Supreme Court moves to Mon-Repos.

  4. Today

    A promenade, park and cultural venue with the Cinémathèque suisse.

Cinema with a view

The Casino de Montbenon is home to the Cinémathèque suisse, the national film archive, which screens classic and rare films all year round. Combine a screening with a sunset on the esplanade.

Below, the Parc de Montbenon is a favourite spot for picnics, walks and open-air events in summer.

Did you know?

500+ mof flat promenade
1886inauguration of the Palais de Justice
Tellthe statue of the Swiss hero with his crossbow
Cinemathe Cinémathèque suisse in the Casino
Esplanade de Montbenon

Plan your visit

Getting there

  • A few minutes on foot from Saint-François or Bel-Air.
  • Metro m1 or m2, stop Lausanne-Flon, then 5 minutes uphill.
  • Montbenon car park underneath.

Our tips

  • Come at sunset for the light over the lake.
  • Check the Cinémathèque programme for an evening screening.
  • Plateforme 10 is just below, next to the station.
Open in Google MapsMap © OpenStreetMap contributors — loaded only when you click.
Book around
Booking.comHotels nearby → GetYourGuide.comGuided tours & tickets → TripadvisorReviews & ideas →

Nearby attractions

Le Flon13Le Flon3 min on foot Plateforme 1008Plateforme 103 min on foot Grand-Pont19Grand-Pont4 min on foot Place de la Palud05Place de la Palud7 min on foot

Frequently asked questions

What is Montbenon?

A former parade ground turned into a flat panoramic promenade in the centre of Lausanne.

Is there a view of the lake?

Yes, it is one of the finest viewpoints over Lake Geneva in the city.

What is the Casino de Montbenon?

A historic building that houses, among others, the Cinémathèque suisse.

Is it accessible?

Yes, the esplanade is flat and step-free.

How do I get there?

A few minutes on foot from Saint-François or the Flon.

Official sources

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