ONE of the world’s best small cities is home to vineyards, chocolate factories and amazing lakefront views.
Of the European city break destinations, Lausanne in Switzerland might not be high on many people’s lists.
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Yet, according to Monocle’s inaugural Small Cities Index, published in 2019, it came top of the 25 best small cities in the world.
The list considered factors such as the quality of public transport, rail and air connections among other things in cities with a population less than 200,000.
Lausanne has a lot to draw tourists in, despite its relatively small size.
It’s found on the banks of Lake Geneva, with views of the Swiss and French Alps.
Just as sweet as the scenery are the 11 chocolatiers that call the city their home, with tours available to sample their delicious products.
The tours allow people to take in five of the chocolate makers’ shops, while sampling their sweet treats or taking them away to enjoy later.
Tourism Lausanne’s website explains: “The city’s best chocolate-makers will help you discover the famous history of Swiss chocolate, which began in Lausanne in 1830 with the Kohler sons’ factory.
“You can visit five of the 11 chocolate makers of your choice and leave with a box of chocolates specially designed for you, featuring all the local know-how that has made Lausanne one of the most emblematic cities in the history of Swiss chocolate.”
Tickets for the tours are 29CHF (£25.40) and are valid for 72 hours, meaning visits can be spread out across a long weekend trip.
Chocolate isn’t the only indulgent treat that people can make the most of in the city, with wine another of its finest exports.
The Lavaux vineyard terraces are a Unesco heritage site, with its wine described as “highly valued” and possibly dating back to Roman times.
The Unesco site reads: “Stretching for about 30km along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux vineyard terraces cover the lower slopes of the mountainside between the villages and the lake.
“Although there is some evidence that vines were grown in the area in Roman times, the present vine terraces can be traced back to the 11th century, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area.
“It is an outstanding example of a centuries-long interaction between people and their environment, developed to optimise local resources so as to produce a highly valued wine.”
Away from its decadent products, Lausanne is becoming a hit with wellness fanatics, with cold swimming classes also very popular with tourists.
Since March 15 this year, visitors are now able to learn how to safely take a cold dip, with Bainfroid.ch, who offer group classes led by experts in Lake Geneva.
The city also has hiking hotspots, spas and is the perfect place for rest and relaxation, according to Forbes.
They wrote: “When paired with its many opportunities for relaxation and recalibration, it’s the ideal destination for tourists looking for a holistic approach to wellness while on their travels.”
Getting to Lausanne is both simple and cheap, with flights from the UK to its nearest international airport, Geneva, taking less than two hours and costing £27 one way.
A night for two in the city can be booked from £68.
Tbilisi
Lausanne is not the only lesser-known European city break destination being tipped for big things because of its food and wine.
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, has got a whole host of new direct flights to the UK.
And its food has been described as some of the most underrated in the world.
Khinkali, or Georgian dumplings, are among the most popular snacks, with meat, vegetables and cheese stuffed into dough and then steamed or boiled.
Meanwhile, kebabs and lamb stews are also on the menu along with breads like Khachapuri – a cheese bread sometimes served with a fried egg on top.
Meanwhile wine is another staple of Georgian cuisine, with some considering the nation to be the “cradle of wine”.
Meanwhile, this underrated European city break destination has beaches and more than 120 festivals every year.
And this city break has been tipped to be big in 2024.
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