Parc de Mon Repos

Elegant retreat steeped in Lausanne’s past.

Parc de Mon Repos is a refined and peaceful garden in the heart of Lausanne, known for its serene beauty and historical charm. Centered around a neoclassical villa, the park features manicured lawns, sculptures, a fountain, and a charming greenhouse. Once a private estate, it now offers locals and visitors a tranquil escape ideal for strolls, reading, or quiet reflection. True to its name, “Mon Repos” – “My Rest” – captures the park’s gentle, timeless allure.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Lausanne center 18-28 min.

From Montreux by car ~34 min.

From Geneva by car ~57 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 32 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~1 h 5 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

Parc de Mon Repos is Lausanne’s historic English-style garden around the Mon-Repos villa. It blends Romantic follies and botany with everyday amenities, a few minutes’ walk from the city centre.

Key features

Mon-Repos villa hosted the IOC headquarters 1922–1967; Pierre de Coubertin had his office and residence here 1929–1937.
Neo-Gothic “sham ruin” 1821 set on an artificial rock with a waterfall, grotto and tunnel.
An octagonal kiosk 1780 and a small neoclassical rotunda recall Enlightenment leisure – Voltaire performed here.
Orangery, aviaries, ponds and playgrounds mix heritage with neighborhood life.
The Federal Supreme Court borders the park to the north (project 1919, inauguration 1927), with an avenue now crossing the grounds.

What to see

The villa lawns facing the Romantic tower, waterfall and grotto.
The 1780 kiosk, the neoclassical rotunda and the orangery.
Aviaries, fish ponds, kids’ areas and a seasonal snack bar.

History

The estate took shape in the 18th century; owner Philippe de Gentils added an octagonal kiosk in 1780 and a theatre where Voltaire performed. In 1812–1832 Vincent Perdonnet remodelled the villa and park with architect Louis Damesme; the orangery, aviaries and the Neo-Gothic “ruin” (1821) were created.

In the 20th century the Federal Supreme Court rose on the park’s north edge (approved 1919, opened 1927). The villa then became “Olympic” – the IOC was based here 1922–1967, while Pierre de Coubertin worked and lived at Mon-Repos 1929–1937. Major landscape and heritage restoration followed in 1998–2002.

Practical information

Location: Avenue de Mon-Repos, 1005 Lausanne, between the centre and Mousquines/Bellevue.

Getting there: Metro M2 to Riponne–M. Béjart or Ours, then ~8–12 min on foot. Bus TL line 13 to Mon Repos.

Access: Mostly step-free paths with mild slopes; restrooms, playgrounds, ponds, snack bar and a dog area on site.

Visiting hours: Year-round, free entry.

Visit duration: 45–90 min; up to 2 h with a picnic and play stop.

Best time: Spring–early summer for bloom and shade; autumn colours; morning and golden hour for softer light.

Notes: The ensemble is listed as a national-significance heritage site; an avenue (Avenue du Tribunal-Fédéral) cuts the grounds – use marked crossings.

Tours