Every year is an Olympics year in Lausanne, Switzerland, a city of stone buildings, tile roofs and historic church squares perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Geneva. As home to the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum, the city is involved year-round in championing the Games, long before and long after the official ceremonies take place. (This year, the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, mostly in and around Paris, run from July 26 to Sept. But the Olympics are only one facet of Lausanne. Throw in stylish new restaurants, chocolate boutiques and pastry shops, and you have a medal-worthy culinary center, as well.

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Organizations: International Olympic Committee, Olympic Museum, Summer, Hermitage Foundation Locations: Lausanne, Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Paris, Hermitage