The cantonal offices for the canton of Vaud are based in this structure, which was formerly the seat of Lausanne's Catholic bishops. Nearby is the site of construction for the new parliament building. The former historically significant building was destroyed by fire in May 2002. There were signs showing the chronology for the new building
along with smaller signs depicting various historical eras that the former building had personified. Here, for example, was the beginning of the Protestant era in 1536 until the invasion by the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798.
From this site, one can look across the rooftops of Lausanne for a panoramic view of Lake Geneva.
After a light but very tasty lunch at a tiny Italian restaurant (nine tables!) located near the square, we retraced our steps to the Lausanne Historical Museum, formerly the Old Bishop's Palace, for a visit.
We paused at the overlook for some excellent views of Lausanne's Vieille Ville.
While making our way back to the gare (train station) where our car was parked, we couldn't help but notice that the ubiquitous Golden Arches - that bastion of American culture - can also be found in Old Lausanne.
It wasn't far from "McDo's" - as McDonald's is known throughout the French-speaking areas - that we were genteelly accosted by a group of young girls who wanted to ask us some questions. They were clearly reading from a script. They told us that they were taking French courses in Lausanne and their assignment was to engage some passers-by in conversation. We explained that, while we would love to converse with them, they might be better served by speaking with native French speakers. They giggled, agreed, and bustled off in search of some native Lausannois!
HWMBO wished - perhaps for the first time in his life - that he was a native French speaker. The girls were very cute!
No comments:
Post a Comment