Lausanne Lights Festival 2020

The traditional Christmas tree is always erected in
the pedestrian square called Place de la Palud.

Just behind the tree is the well-know fountain with a statue
called La Fontaine de la Justice.
The column and the statue were sculpted in 1584-85 
by Laurent Perroud and his son Jacques. 

Notre Dame Cathedral
It was constructed during the twelth and thirteenth centuries
and consecrated in 1275.
It became a protestant cathedal in1536.
The illuminated cathedral tower is a striking sight when night falls.

The period  going from November 24th to December 24th
is showing many magnificent projected illuminations downtown.

Detail of the arched window

Now we come to the Place de la Riponne.
This building used to be Lausanne's University,
but these days it houses several museums.

The coloured paving stones were very impressive

The Main Entrance.
People caught in the projectors became part of the colourful pattern.

Like this couple

Or my daughter and me when we met downtown at nightfall!

I did enjoy seeing the illuminated horse and carriage which I nearly missed capturing.
 
I did like this golden archway leading into a shopping centre
called Portes St.- Francois
which is the name of the church and central part of the city
where all the buses from all directions seem to stop.

The facade of the well-known UBS bank
wishes us all Happy Festive Days!

This building called Maison Mercier
was built between 1893 and 1900. The original building consisted of stores with mezzanine
and three floors of magnificent apartments fitted with marble fireplaces.
The meticulous design of its facades in the Viollet-le-Duc Gothic Revival,
the terrace and the roof angles topped with gables, the Maison Mercier
was acclaimed one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

The projected and colourful designs changed constantly.

The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall)
was built between 1673 - 1675.
The halls of its ground floor housed the wheat market.
The bells of its belfry warned of danger.
Greatly admired since its creation, the Town Hall is the most interesting example of 
17th century Vaud architecture.
I've always admired this beautiful building.

You can see the arcades below where the wheat market used to be held.

The big double doors.

The darkening sky shows the changing illuminations.
On the left is the projected image of the Justice Statue that we saw on the fountain
near the big Christmas tree above.

The town of Lausanne wishes us all
very Joyful Festive Days!

I have lived in Lausanne for over twenty years now and have learned to love many
aspects of this city, especially the old part of town steeped in interesting history.
I live above the centre and appreciate the somewhat calmer area.
I can easily walk into town in fifteen to twenty minutes,
but on bad weather days there is an excellent and frequent bus service.

Next time,  I'll be showing things closer to home and in my direct neighbourhood
and within my own home!

Stay safe!

14 comments

  1. WOW - Lausanne sure is lit up to perfection. What a treasure trove of beauty to enjoy. Thanks for taking me on a virtual trip (by far the safest).

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your lovely visit, Sarn. The illuminations have been wonderful this year and I've visited them several times on days when there are less people. Everything was so uplifitng. Perfect this year!

      Delete
  2. Such beauty ! The city and the lights are impressive. I loved this wonderful virtual trip. Thanks for showing and a Merry Christmas !
    Lasse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lasse. It's especially lovely to have so many colourful projections and lights this year. It makes everything look so cheerful!
      Thank you for your kind wishes. Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  3. Oh, my! Those are such impressive light displays in Lausanne, Sandra! I truly enjoy seeing Christmas decorations from other countries. It sounds like you have a very content life and I love the fact that you are able to walk into the center of town so easily. Someday, I would like to live in a place like that :) Merry Christmas to you and thank you for all of your wonderful photographs throughout the year ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your kind comments, Carol. I have really enjoying the seasonal lights this year - they seem even more beautiful and colourful this year which is so uplifting for everyone!

      Delete
  4. Lausanne is a beautiful city and it reminds us so much of Prague. Thank you for showing how gorgeous the sites are during this holiday season. and.... Thank you for your friendship this past year and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful posts in 2021.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS SANDRA!!
    xo anna and liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So lovely to see you, Anna and Liz! Thank you for your kind comments and for your Christmas wishes too! May your own Christmas be very merry too!

      Delete
  5. Unas fotos espectaculares llenas de color, enhorabuena Sandra. Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo. Saludos desde el norte de España.
    http://faunacompacta.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love to see the light festival in Lausanne! It brings out the joy of this season! So nice to see you and your daughter spending a little holiday time together outside! I'll be looking forward to seeing your next post of more Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was nice to meet up with my daughter and see the lights of the city! We're meeting up today in the park near me to exchange gifts!

      Delete
  7. Wonderful Christmas decorations.
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Maria. I wish you also a Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year!

      Delete