Our time in Paris was short but incredibly memorable, and soon we were off to our next stop: Lausanne. Kami and I woke up early to squeeze in one last run to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This was hands-down one of my favorite routes of the trip. The climb to the top was intense—steep, winding, and a real challenge—but the reward was absolutely worth it. The basilica itself is stunning, and the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking. You can see nearly all of Paris laid out before you, a final reminder of how magical the city is!
After our run, we headed back to pack, but not without making one final stop at a neighborhood café for coffee and crepes. It felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to Paris. One thing that really stood out to me about the city—and that I think would make it such an exceptional Olympic host from an athlete experience perspective—is the accessibility and culture. There’s a café on almost every corner, and while I’m sure athletes would mostly stay within the Olympic Village for security reasons, just having that kind of environment nearby must feel liberating. Being able to try local favorites, take short walks through vibrant neighborhoods, and feel immersed in the host culture would offer a refreshing break from the intense bubble of competition.
The journey to Lausanne was a smooth and peaceful 3-4 hour train ride. The scenery shifted gradually from sunny stretches of French countryside to more mountainous, misty terrain as we crossed into Switzerland. Although I would love to describe every detail, I took the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed sleep—a necessary recovery after our busy days in Paris!
Once we arrived in Lausanne, we were greeted warmly by our WorldStrides host and settled into our hotel. Kami and I, staying true to our fitness mindset, hit the gym for a lift session before dinner. It felt good to reset and get back into a training rhythm—even if just for a short time. Afterward, we were treated to a traditional Swiss dinner: fondue! I had never tried fondue before and was excited (and a little nervous) to try it in its birthplace. We had the classic Gruyère half-and-half fondue, and also sampled a few others around the table, like truffle and goat cheese. Fun fact: if you drop your bread into the pot, you owe the table a drink!
Dinner was followed by a walk through the city. Compared to Paris or London, Lausanne felt smaller, quieter, and far less English-speaking. While London felt very British and Paris uniquely Parisian, Lausanne struck me as more of a cultural blend—almost like a melting pot of languages, backgrounds, and international influence. At dinner, we even needed help from a French speaker to make our reservation!
What I already love about Lausanne is how deeply connected it is to the Olympic movement. In just one day, we passed over 25 different signs, flags, statues, and sport federation buildings tied to the Games. It’s clear that this city lives and breathes the Olympic spirit, and it was inspiring to witness how that energy is woven into the fabric of everyday life.