Things To Do
in Ecublens
Ecublens is a suburb of Lausanne in the canton of Vaud, known for hosting parts of the EPFL and close ties to the university district. It sits a short tram or bus ride from Lake Geneva and offers a mix of modern campus architecture, quiet residential streets, and easy access to vineyards and alpine scenery. The town is popular with students, researchers, and families and benefits from excellent Swiss public transport links.
Visitors enjoy a calm base with quick access to Lausanne’s museums, nightlife, and lakeside promenades.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Geneva Airport and take a scenic train ride to Ecublens, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps along the way. Check into your accommodation and get settled in your comfortable room. Enjoy a lovely breakfast at a local café, savoring Swiss pastries and coffee.
Explore the charming streets of Ecublens, visiting local shops and discovering the community's vibrant atmosphere. Stop at the Parc de l'Indépendance for a leisurely stroll among blooming flowers and trees. Don't miss the opportunity to try Swiss cheese at a nearby cheese shop.
Savor dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant, where you can indulge in fondue or raclette. Take a gentle evening walk around the neighborhood, appreciating the peaceful ambiance and beautiful architecture. Conclude the night with a glass of local wine while enjoying the starry sky.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to nearby Lausanne, just a short ride away. Visit the Olympic Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Olympic Games and its importance to the city. Stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva, taking in the stunning views.
Explore the historic Old Town of Lausanne, visiting landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Palais de Rumine. Enjoy lunch at a quaint café, sampling local dishes while watching the world go by. Afterward, check out the Collection de l'Art Brut, showcasing unconventional artworks.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the lake and cityscape. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade, soaking in the ambiance of the illuminated city. Wind down with a nightcap at a cozy bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $6-9 |
| 🚆Public transport single fare (regional) | $2.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transport links to Lausanne, Geneva and regional trains
- Close to Lake Geneva, Lavaux vineyards and alpine day-trip options
- Safe, clean and well-organized with high-quality services
- Vibrant student and research community provides cultural events and cafés
- Relatively expensive compared with many European destinations
- Ecublens itself is quiet — nightlife and major attractions require travel to Lausanne
- Parking can be limited and costly in peak areas
- High seasonal demand in summer and during festivals can mean crowds nearby
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Ecublens
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking modern architecture, glass facades and public art create great opportunities for contemporary urban photography and wide-angle shots.
UNESCO-listed terraces with rows of vines sloping down to Lake Geneva; excellent at golden hour for panoramic vistas and vineyard detail shots.
Promenade along Lake Geneva with boats, reflections, and views across to the French shores and Alpine silhouettes — ideal for sunrise and sunset images.
A wooden tower offering 360-degree views over Lausanne, the lake and the Alps, framed by Jorat forest paths and natural scenes.
Gothic architecture, narrow lanes and elevated viewpoints over the city and lake — great for street and architectural photography.
Food in Ecublens
Ecublens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deep-fried cheese fritter popular in Vaud; often found in traditional restaurants and seasonal markets around Lausanne and the countryside.
Must-Try!
Fresh perch from Lake Geneva, typically pan-fried and served with lemon and parsley; excellent at lakeside restaurants in Ouchy, Lutry, and Cully.
Swiss classics found across the region; raclette is especially popular in winter and best enjoyed in mountain restaurants or traditional Swiss eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A large weekly market offering fruits, vegetables, cheese, breads, charcuterie and regional specialties — great for building a picnic to take to Lavaux or the lakeshore.
Smaller lakeside market in the Lavaux area, ideal for tasting local wines, cheeses, and seasonal produce; lively in summer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Arrive on time for appointments and meetings; punctuality is valued in Swiss culture.
Use 'Bonjour' in the daytime and 'Bonsoir' in the evening; a handshake is the common formal greeting. In casual student settings, first names are used quickly.
Be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas and apartment buildings; Sundays and late evenings tend to be quieter.
Swiss recycling rules are strict — separate waste, use collection points for glass and specific bags for trash when required.
Safety
Tipping in Ecublens
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in restaurant bills (service compris), so tipping is not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated. For taxis, round up or add a few francs. Cash is accepted but card payment is widespread.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are commonly accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely used. Smaller shops or markets may prefer cash (Swiss francs), so carry some for local vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming vineyards and fewer tourists; ideal for walking in Lavaux and early-season boat trips. Expect occasional rain and cool evenings—pack layers.
Warm, sunny days perfect for lake activities, vineyard visits and outdoor festivals; popular with tourists so expect busier lakeside towns. Bring sun protection and book popular restaurants in advance.
Vineyards turn golden and offer spectacular photo opportunities; wine harvest events often take place. Cooler temperatures and stable weather make it a great shoulder-season visit.
Cold, sometimes snowy with short daylight; ideal for nearby alpine skiing at resorts a short drive away. Lower tourist numbers in town but many mountain attractions remain accessible; pack warm clothing.
Ecublens at Night
Hiking in Ecublens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Terraced vineyard paths between Lutry and Rivaz offering scenic coastal views, wine stops and easy to moderate walking options.
Extensive woodland network ideal for longer country walks, trail running and mountain biking with peaceful forest scenery.
A pleasant loop that includes the Sauvabelin Tower and paths descending toward Lausanne’s parks and viewpoints.
A more challenging alpine hike or a scenic cogwheel train ride to high-mountain viewpoints, with panoramic views across the lake and peaks.
Full-day mountain hikes and glacier viewpoints suitable for more experienced hikers; reachable by car or regional transport for a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Ecublens by plane.
Major international airport about 55–65 km west of Ecublens (roughly 40–60 minutes by car or 1–1.5 hours by train/bus). Frequent shuttle, train and bus connections via Geneva or Lausanne make it the most convenient gateway for international travelers.
Further afield (about 2.5–3 hours by train/car), useful for some European connections but less convenient than Geneva for Ecublens.
Switzerland’s largest airport, approximately 2.5 hours by train from Lausanne; well-connected and often used for international itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large community of students, researchers and academic staff linked to EPFL and UNIL; international and diverse.
French-speaking Swiss families and long-term residents with deep ties to Vaud’s traditions and local businesses.
Expat and international professionals working in technology, research and international organizations located in Lausanne and nearby cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at all levels; local clubs and strong regional interest with matches and youth leagues throughout the area.
Widely followed in Switzerland; Lausanne HC represents the region at high levels and draws local fans.
Lake Geneva supports many water sports, including rowing clubs and sailing schools based in Ouchy and surrounding towns.
Skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking are popular for weekend trips to nearby alpine resorts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ecublens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and mid-range restaurants; ask for vegetable risottos, salads with local cheese, or rösti with toppings. Many places label items and can adapt dishes on request.
Vegan choices are less common but growing in Lausanne and nearby; speciality cafés and larger restaurants usually offer at least one vegan main or can modify salads. Carry snacks when exploring smaller villages.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is high; many bakeries and restaurants can provide gluten-free bread and dishes, but always confirm in advance for traditional items like rösti or fondue.