Temples & religious sites
Notre-Dame du Valentin
Overview
Notre-Dame du Valentin is a Roman Catholic church located in central Lausanne. Elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1992, it serves as the city's largest Catholic place of worship. Travelers visit to view its architecture and learn about the local Catholic heritage in the region.
Getting There
The basilica sits directly in the city center of Lausanne. From central hubs like Place de la Riponne or Place Saint-François, it is a 5 to 10-minute walk. For those arriving via Geneva Airport (GVA), direct trains reach Lausanne railway station in about 45 minutes, followed by a short uphill walk or a quick local metro ride.
Time to Spend
Plan to spend approximately 20 to 45 minutes inside. This is sufficient to view the interior nave, side chapels, and architectural details.
When to Visit
Visiting during daylight hours provides the best lighting for viewing the interior. Because it is an active parish church, avoid sightseeing during scheduled worship services and mass. The church is generally quiet and rarely encounters significant tourist crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Its central location makes it easy to combine with other landmarks within a short walking distance:
- Palais de Rumine (0.2 km)
- Cantonal Museum of Geology in Lausanne (0.2 km)
- Saint-Laurent Reformed Church (0.2 km)
- Tour de Bel-Air (0.2 km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors