By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Set dramatically among a picture perfect lake, mountains, and hillside vineyards, Lausanne offers a unique glimpse into the origins of the modern Olympic Games. When French baron Pierre de Coubertin aimed to revive the ancient Greek sporting games from 776 BCE in the 1890s, he envisioned a permanent location for the modern Olympics. Instead of Paris or London, he chose Lausanne, a small Swiss city on the shores of Lake Geneva, which he adored.
Like many notable visitors before him, including Charles Dickens and David Bowie, Coubertin was captivated by Lausanne’s stunning waterside setting framed by the Alps and Unesco inscribed vineyards. In 1913, upon arriving in Lausanne, Coubertin praised the city’s delightful spread along the lake, surrounded by forests and abundant sporting possibilities. Although others opted for a globetrotting Olympics, Coubertin’s passion for Lausanne led him to establish it as the permanent home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1915. Amidst World War One, neutral Switzerland and its charming cities were a practical choice. The official relocation ceremony at the 17th Century City Hall in Lausanne marked the beginning of the city’s role in overseeing and promoting the Olympic movement worldwide.
As the 2024 Olympics commence in Paris, visiting Lausanne provides a unique opportunity to explore how the ancient Games were reborn and how the modern Olympic movement blends culture and history with sports.
An Olympic Welcome
Lausanne's central train station, proudly adorned with Olympic rings, leads visitors to the chic shoreline neighborhood of Ouchy, where the Olympic Museum's modern facade faces the mountains across Lake Geneva. The museum’s entrance is flanked by classical Greek style columns, while the surrounding parkland features sculptures celebrating various sports and athletes. Inside, the world's largest collection of Olympic heritage objects offers a fascinating array: items related to the ancient Games, vintage artifacts like a 1920s bobsleigh, Jesse Owens’ 1936 running shoes, Olympic torches, and posters from past Games. Giant screens replay memorable sporting moments, while interactive exhibits allow visitors to test their balance, strength, and coordination.
The museum's displays are curated by a team known as the Heritage Hunters, who collect artifacts with high storytelling potential to share Olympic values and history. An offshoot exhibition, SPOT24, will be featured beside the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Games, highlighting six new Olympic sports and their cultures.
The Birth of Olympism
Lausanne’s 1913 Olympic Congress, where key principles of the Games were discussed, also included cultural events like a floating Venetian fete and local choir performances, exemplifying Coubertin's ideal of uniting sport, culture, and education. The Congress was held at the grand Palais de Rumine, now a free history museum. Nearby, travelers can test their athleticism on the Escaliers du Marché, medieval covered stairs leading to the Gothic Cathedral de Notre Dame, which offers stunning views over the lake and mountains.
Given the importance of diverse arts and culture to Coubertin’s concept of Olympism, he would likely appreciate the Collection de L'Art Brut, one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to "raw art," near the Bejart Ballet. This unique collection complements the contemporary art, design, and photography museums of the Plateforme 10 complex by the central station.
Historical Olympic Sites in Lausanne
When the IOC was established in Lausanne in 1915, its headquarters were set up at the Casino de Montbenon. Today, this historical site houses an excellent brasserie with a garden terrace offering sweeping lake and mountain views. Along the lake shore, near the Olympic Museum, the Chateau d'Ouchy is another significant Olympic site. This 13th century fortress, now a luxury hotel, hosted the 1926 conference where Coubertin emphasized the "right to sports" and "right to access of general culture." The hotel's restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes and wine from the nearby Lavaux vineyards.
Lausanne’s sports culture is evident, with more than 40 international sports organizations headquartered in the city. The expansive Lake Geneva serves as a training ground for local Olympians, while the surrounding Alpine peaks and city’s hills provide ideal conditions for athletes.
Legacy and Modern Facilities
Two kilometers north of Chateau d'Ouchy, Mon Repos was Coubertin’s residence and the IOC headquarters from 1922. Today, visitors can explore the landscaped park surrounding the villa, which hosts free summer events. The IOC later moved to the 18th century Chateau de Vidy in 1968, where it remains adjacent to the Roman ruins of Lousonna. The Chateau de Vidy, alongside its modern glass and steel counterpart, highlights Lausanne’s blend of historical and contemporary Olympic significance.
Coubertin is buried at the Cemetery Bois du Vaux near the Chateau de Vidy, close to the grave of fashion designer Coco Chanel. His simple memorial, adorned with the Olympic rings, signifies the legacy he left for Lausanne and the world.
Lausanne’s picturesque setting, rich Olympic history, and cultural offerings provide a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of the modern Games and the enduring legacy of the Olympic movement.
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