Audio Guide of Place de la Palud

The square is a public space open **24 hours a day**, every day of the year. It is located in the heart of the pedestrianized city center; the easiest way to get there is by taking metro line M2 and getting off at the Riponne-M. Béjart station, just a few minutes away on foot.

No, access to Place de la Palud is **completely free**. You can enjoy the Town Hall architecture, the Fountain of Justice, and the mechanical clock show at no cost and without needing to book tickets.

We recommend allowing **20 to 30 minutes** to appreciate the architectural details and watch the clock in action. If your visit coincides with market days, you may want to stay up to an hour to explore the local stalls.

It is the historic and political heart of the city, home to the **17th-century Town Hall** and the iconic Fountain of Justice. Its name comes from 'palude' (swamp), recalling its geographic origins before it became the center of popular life in Lausanne.

Without a doubt, **Wednesday and Saturday mornings** are ideal because of the charming farmers' market. Also, try to be there on the hour (between 09:00 and 19:00) to see the animated clock figures emerge and tell local history.

Yes, the square is mostly flat and accessible, although the ground is paved with **old cobblestones**, which can make rolling slightly more difficult. As it is a pedestrian area, it is safe, but keep in mind that the surrounding streets (such as those leading up to the Cathedral) have steep slopes.

Right next to it you will find the picturesque Market Stairs, covered wooden steps. Climbing them, you will reach Lausanne Cathedral in just a few minutes, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Pay attention to the wall clock exactly on the hour to see the procession of historical figures. To truly understand what you are seeing, I suggest complementing your walk with information from Lausanne Tourism or a good audio guide that tells the legends of the Fountain of Justice.