Lausanne is not only the capital of the Canton Vaud, it is also Switzerland’s fourth largest city and since 1914 it has been home to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. The city is located on the southern part of the lake on a steeply rising hill. Lausanne’s topography is impacted by the substratum which was shaped by the Rhone glacier in the ice age. In addition to the picturesque old town, the Olympic Museum and the impressive Notre Dame cathedral are other major attractions of the city.

The three-hour hike to Morges begins on the shore of Lake Geneva. Lausanne Ouchy has some remarkable features to see: a generous boulevard, green park facilities, the expanse of the lake, and graceful mansions. After passing the harbour and the first park with athletic fields you soon cross the Chamberonne river. It forms the western border of the Lausanne district. Further along the lakeshore is the village of Saint-Sulpice. It is located about halfway between Lausanne and Morges. The residential community was established in the Middle Ages and also has a priory (a small convent) as well as a church from the 12th century, which is well worth a visit.

Following the lakeshore you cross the Venoge. This river is fed by three springs and until the early 21st century, many mills and sawmills were found along its shores. While still heavily polluted in the 1990s, a popular initiative was accepted to renaturalise the Venoge River.

Continuing along the lake, past beaches and attractive swimming facilities, you arrive in Morges and the end of this short section about an hour later. The town on Lake Geneva is situated directly below an area of vineyards and opposite majestic Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.