Small and unassuming, it’s easy to miss this little Lausanne gem when walking down the street. Wedged between two towering residential buildings,
L’A-T-E-L-I-E-R has made a name for itself amongst locals who prefer to drink and dine off the beaten path.
Started by two friends with an eye for art, Cybèle and Laure decided one day to pull the trigger and open up an art gallery. Friends who frequented their space loved the cozy atmosphere, and afternoon coffees would quickly transform into early evening apero. And the coffees and teas made way for pastries and petit gouts and the beer and wine made a way for tartines and planchettes–a natural evolution that would eventually lead to what we have now: a space for you, Lausanne, to eat, to drink, to admire, to read, to relax, to just be.
And just as the concept evolved with the patrons, the patrons evolve with the day; L’A-T-E-L-I-E-R is certainly a spot that needs to be visited on multiple occasions at various parts of the day. From the morning people who drink their tea and nibble on their croissant while rubbing the sleep from their eyes, to the afternoon breakers who have left their offices or have made a stop from their morning errands for a quick (or not so quick) bite, to the early apero goers who have been counting down the minutes until it’s appropriate to switch from water to wine, to finally the night owls who speak animatedly over local beer, dried meats, and cheese while their cigarette smoke floats wistfully into the summer evening air. It’s a place for any given person, at any given time. And it’s beautiful.
There are two rooms at L’A-T-E-L-I-E-R but both project an artistically communal vibe. Large windows, lined with pine benches and colorful pillows pour light into the café adding to the warmth. The mis-matching tables and chairs provide a homely and unpretentious atmosphere–like you’re sitting in the kitchen of a good friend–only you’re allowed to take the table and chairs home (that’s right! The space is also a brocante, where the furniture is for sale).
We can’t help but feel a sense of pride in Lausanne when we see such creative energy being used in this capacity. L’A-T-E-L-I-E-R is certainly a place that embodies and reflects the innovative spirit that is building up this city and making it more than just a dot on a map. Bravo Cybèle and Laure!
L’A-T-E-L-I-E-R
Avenue de France 39, 1004 Lausanne
http://www.l-a-t-e-l-i-e-r.ch
Monday: Closed
Tuesday and Wednesday: 7am-10pm
Thursday: 7am-midnight
Friday: 7am-1am
Saturday: 9am-1am
Sunday: 10am-4pm*
*A special brunch is available on Sundays from 11am-4pm, but you must reserve: 021 624 16 37 or info@l-a-t-e-l-i-e-r.ch
