Nothing distills the childlike joy of summer quite like a stroll in the sunshine with an ice cream in hand.
These days ice cream making has become something of an art, with experimental recipes inspired by tastes from across the world, and luxurious interpretations of the traditional flavors that remain close to our hearts. Whether you’re a lifelong chocolate devotee, or when it comes to creative combinations the more imaginative the better, Lausanne is full of artisanal makers waiting to hand you that perfect cone.
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GeA Gelateria Artigianale
One of the original gelaterias in Lausanne, GeA Gelateria Artigianale’s team combines experience with creative flair. Tucked away on Rue Enning, their recent creations include a mint ice cream with star anise, black pepper, licorice and verbena, and their zesty lemon basil sorbet is the perfect summer refresher. With a select but ever-changing variety of flavors inspired by the seasons, GeA is a staple of Lausanne’s artisanal ice cream scene.
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LABO Gelateria
New flavors are LABO’s speciality, as founder Malou Zryd fuses Italian recipes with Asian-inspired tastes. Offering traditional chocolate and vanilla alongside matcha, kulfi and azuki, LABO is the perfect place to experiment, and her delicious black sesame will fast become one of your favorites.
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Loom Gelateria 1900
The perfect accompaniment to your evening stroll, Loom has an incredible array of artisanal ice creams and sorbets, and stays open until 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Try their Saffron, Frangipane, or Sakura gelato if you’re in the mood for something new, but if you know exactly what you like (and sometimes nothing beats those classic flavors!) then look no further than their tried and tested menu.
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MANU Gelato
Planning a picnic? At MANU Gelato you can buy a cone, a cup, or if you really can’t decide between their sumptuous array of options, why not share a box with friends? Open until 10pm on Place Pépinet, MANU’s menu includes an exquisite creamy ricotta and fig option, and for those with a sweet tooth, try their cinnamon and brown sugar Speculoos cookie gelato – the ultimate indulgence.
Glaces Veneta Ouchy
Run by a family who have been making ice cream for almost a hundred years, Glaces Veneta Ouchy is the perfect spot to grab a scoop and go for a stroll, as it sits right on the edge of the lake. Admire the pristine waters and views of the Alps while savoring one of their salted butter caramel, ginger, or double cream meringue ice creams.
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Bongusto Italiano
Step into Italy at Bongusto Italiano, but don’t just go for the ristretto and cornetti, they have amazing Italian ice creams by the scoop as well. Particularly popular is their pistachio gelato, to be enjoyed on the go or in the coffee-scented tranquility of their Italian-style cafe.
Tempted by them all? With Lausanne à Table’s “Parcours des Glaciers” you can sample ice creams at ten different locations across Lausanne before the end of August. Sign up for an ‘ice cream pass’ for 35 chf, and let the tasting commence. Each participating ice cream maker (including almost all the places on this list!) have chosen a flavor to try, and afterwards you can vote for your top three favorites. It’s a chance to truly become an artisanal ice cream connoisseur this summer, and really, is there any other title worth aspiring to?
Grab a Picnic, Head to a Lausanne Park
Why not combine your favorite ice cream with a picnic in the park? Here are some of the best places in Lausanne to pick up food for the ultimate outdoor lunch.
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