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Sunset

Golden Hour at the Edge of the Lake

Start with a drink in the sun, catch the light over the water, and end in the quiet of the park.

Best time: 17:12About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 16:27

    MGM

    Grab a seat on the second-floor deck of MGM. The red storefront faces the lake and the Alps, offering a perfect vantage point to watch the light change. Order a drink and settle in as the afternoon warmth holds.

  2. 16:57

    Musée de l'Elysée

    Walk 19 minutes southeast to the Musée de l'Elysée. The museum sits in a splendid park, and by arriving just before the sun dips, you can catch the final golden light reflecting off the building and the surrounding greenery.

  3. 17:12

    Musée de l'Elysée

    Stand in the park and watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, casting long shadows across the grounds of this world-class photography museum. The light is brief but intense, turning the stone and foliage into a warm palette.

  4. 17:42

    Parc de Milan

    End your evening with a short 8-minute walk south to Parc de Milan. The park lies between the station and the lake, offering a peaceful, tree-lined space to digest the day. It is a quiet contrast to the museum's grandeur, perfect for a final stroll as the city lights begin to flicker on.

Local tip

MGM's deck is the best spot for the sunset view, but it can get busy. Arriving 45 minutes before sunset ensures you get a seat. The museum park is open to the public even when the gallery is closed, making it a safe bet for the final moments of daylight.

Check before you go

  • MGM is open from 14:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 10:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Sundays it opens at 09:00. Check the specific day of your visit to ensure it is open.

Worth knowing

  • MGM is open at 16:27 only on Mo, Tu, We, Sa, Su

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lausanne (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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