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Historic center · Lausanne, Vaud
Place de la Palud et Escaliers du Marché
The Hôtel de Ville square, with the Fontaine de la Justice, a clock with moving figures and a market twice a week, and the covered wooden staircase that leads up to the cathedral.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Place de la Palud et Escaliers du Marché
Place de la Palud is the square of Lausanne's old centre. There stands the Hôtel de Ville, the town hall, built in 1675 and raised in 1816, where the city's government and parliament meet. In front, the Fontaine de la Justice features a statue of Justice installed in 1585 on a stone fountain dating from 1557.
On one of the buildings in the square, a clock displays moving figures every hour during the day. The scenes recall Abraham Davel's attempt to free the Pays de Vaud from Bernese rule, the arrival of deputies at the first session of the Grand Conseil and couples of dancers in traditional Vaud costumes.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings the square and surrounding streets host the market, with fruit, vegetables, cheeses and flowers from the region.
At the foot of rue Mercerie, beside the square, begin the Escaliers du Marché, a stairway covered by a wooden roof. The steps are mentioned as far back as the 13th century; the present wooden structure was built between 1717 and 1719. There are 177 steps up to the cathedral square, with a section interrupted by rue Pierre‑Viret, opened in 1911. The name recalls the market that used to operate at the top before moving down to the Palud.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, including the climb up to the cathedral.
Best time
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, when the market is on. Close to the hour, to see the clock figures.
How to get there
It is about 1 km from Lausanne station. The m2 metro stops at Riponne‑Maurice Béjart station, a five‑minute walk; Flon station is also nearby.
Tip
Climb the stairway and descend through the streets of the Cité so you don't repeat the route. The streets around the Palud, such as rue de Bourg, are full of shops and cafés.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Place de la Palud et Escaliers du Marché
On which days is there a market at Place de la Palud?
Wednesdays and Saturdays, in the morning.
How many steps are there in the Escaliers du Marché?
There are 177 steps covered by a wooden roof, from the Palud up to the cathedral square.
Does the Palud clock operate all day?
The figures move on the hour during the day.
What is the Hôtel de Ville?
It is Lausanne's city hall, built in 1675, where the city government and council meet.