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!
