Lausanne, Bern and Basel by rail Spotlight on Swiss eclecticism

Switzerland shares this undeniable advantage with other small countries around the world: nothing is inaccessible there. However, that is where the comparison ends. For Switzerland is Switzerland. But Lausanne is neither Bern nor Bâle. And vice versa. So instead of choosing, you’ll see all three, all in one trip but at a gentle pace. Spending two days in each city allows you to take the time to admire, understand and savour. You can leave a little mystery too, or ask questions. Our local contact, a Swiss woman passionate about her country, is there to answer your questions and to reveal, three of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities at their very best. The first, Lausanne, flourishes in the gentle way of life characteristic of lakeside cities. With vineyards to boot. Medieval heritage and a Gothic cathedral (the most important in the country), vibrant student life and the Olympic Committee - the city defies categorisation and has something to charm everyone. In the capital, Bern, people do not give in to the pressure of seriousness - the River Aare and the bears in the Bärenpark certainly have something to do with it. Strolling becomes a leitmotif in the narrow streets of the old town, whose value has long been recognised by UNESCO. This Swiss triptych concludes in Basel, which inevitably sparks enthusiasm among art and architecture enthusiasts. Between two crossings of the Rhine aboard ferries in operation since the 19th century, you’ll reach the local creativity hotspots: the Beyeler Foundation with its contemporary art collection, the Tinguely Museum dedicated to the renowned Swiss artist, or the Vitra Design Campus, with buildings by Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Tadao Ando. In the surrounding area, the vineyards are reminiscent of those in Lausanne - have we come full circle? - and of the inseparable bond that Swiss culture maintains with its terroir, a connection we will have enjoyed throughout the journey.

Your journey

From one adventure to the next, from train to train, from station to station, we assure you: rail is the best way to discover Switzerland. So forget about energy-consuming journeys - in every sense of the word - no driving licence required. Especially as Lausanne, Bern, and Basel are close enough that transport does not encroach on either your enjoyment or your schedule. The trip has been marked by relaxed strolls - one in each city - in the company of a local who is passionate about history and watchmaking, always attentive to new trends and full of quirky anecdotes about her homeland. In short, the best companion for exploring historic districts, walking along the shores of lakes and rivers, or sitting in a café and discussing daily life in the cantons. In Basel, we have also arranged tickets for the Beyeler Foundation. You have the rest of the time to design your own itinerary and digressions. You are helped in this by the central location of your accommodation, which we have also chosen for its comfort - international standards, excellent breakfasts, gyms and attentive staff. As for any little surprises or sudden, irresistible whims, they are managed in real time by our on-site Concierge. In coordination with your travel specialists, the concierge can indeed help to adapt your journey even while it’s underway.