And here begins a new roasted adventure in Lausanne after our Geneva escapade during the last café crawl.
By now, you probably know the drill: my friend Sophie and I spend a Saturday hopping from café to café around the Vaud capital, sipping coffee at each stop. It’s not just about trying local caffeine. However, we never say no to a good espresso — it’s more about soaking in the vibe of each place, discovering hidden gems, chatting with passionate baristas, and experiencing the city through a warm and aromatic lens.
Each stop is a pause, a sip of history and authenticity. So, where did our taste buds take us this time? Follow us through this freshly brewed chapter across Lausanne.
10:30 – Brasserie de Montelly
This edition started a little spontaneously — destination: Brasserie de Montelly. We had been wanting to try their brunch for a while, but when we called that morning, they told us they were fully booked. That would not stop us. We tweaked our route and went straight there, and lucky we did!
Brasserie de Montelly is well-known among locals, with its warm, slightly bistro-style vibe and large bay windows that let in the morning light.
We started gently — or almost — with a generous, tasty brunch. A bit pricey… but hey, it’s Lausanne, are we really surprised? What stood out most was the coffee: nicely balanced — and yes, I had an espresso martini at 10:30 in the morning. I know. Maybe a bit early for some, but I call it caffeinated commitment — or a way of life, depending on your perspective.
A bold start, with hearty bites and strong coffee, sets the tone for the day.
Chemin de Montelly 1
1007 Lausanne
12:30 – Coffee Corner
After the espresso martini-fuelled start at Montelly, we headed to Coffee Corner, located right next to Café de Prélaz, which we had already tried before, though not during one of our famous café crawls.
The place looked promising from the window, with a well-stocked counter full of pastries and cinnamon rolls. But after such a heavy brunch, we were not ready for more sweets.
The coffee? 3.90 CHF per cup, but no glass of water or special attention came with it. The flavour didn’t make up for it, either.
And the furniture? Let’s say it was IKEA, but more like a prototype that never got finalised. Uncomfortable chairs and stools created a somewhat off-kilter vibe. We wanted to like it, but it clearly lacked warmth and personality. In short, room for improvement. We’re always open to good surprises, but this stop was pretty flat and won’t have us trekking back out to Avenue de Morges anytime soon.
Avenue de Morges 145
1004 Lausanne
14:00 – Maison Loulou
Next up: Maison Loulou, right in the heart of Lausanne. A charming little café — cosy and full of light — doubling as a salad bar and healthy spot with açaí bowls on the menu. Thoughtfully designed and effortlessly stylish, it’s perfect for a break between strolls around the city.
We settled into our favourite spot: by the window, with a direct view of the passing crowd. It was late afternoon, and the market was wrapping up — a lively yet relaxed vibe, one of those perfect in-between moments when time seems to slow down just enough for an espresso.
That espresso, by the way, cost 4.20 CHF — a little steep, sure, but worth it: rich, well-pulled, and balanced. A win. A lovely find we’ll be keeping in mind for future city wanders.
Place de la Palud
1003 Lausanne
16:00 – Arteastry
To wrap up our caffeine-fuelled day, we headed downhill to Arteastry, just next to Ça passe crème, in the former Café Balzac space — a place we were quite fond of back in the day. A bit bittersweet walking in, but we kept an open mind.
The space is minimal and clean, positioning itself as both a speciality coffee shop and a gallery. The service was a bit slow, and while the coffee itself was excellent, the atmosphere lacked warmth. It’s not that we didn’t enjoy it, but it’s the kind of place you go to taste a great coffee, not necessarily to linger and chat.
4.50 CHF for an espresso — definitely on the high end, but the quality was spot-on: perfectly pulled, deeply aromatic, and served with a glass of water without even having to ask. A place for purists. We respect the craft, but probably won’t return — the magic just didn’t happen.
Boulevard de Grancy 49
1006 Lausanne
And that’s another café crawl in the books — full of good moments, uneven coffees, and endless conversation. What sticks with us most is the simple pleasure of discovering Lausanne through coffee: comparing flavours, vibes, prices, and laughing at it all along the way.
Every place brought its little something, even the ones we probably won’t revisit. That’s the beauty of the caféthon: exploring with curiosity, savouring with intention, and ending the day with a little caffeine sparkle in your eyes and a lighter heart.
See you at the next one?
