5. Festival Cité

The Buzz -- With more than 200 concerts and shows, in 12 disciplines spread over 10 separate sites, this encyclopedic celebration quite literally takes over all of Lausanne. And that’s just the official number: most of Lausanne’s bars, clubs and restaurants also celebrate Festival Cité. There’s no escaping it – not that you would want to. Venues include Place St-Maur, Arche du Pont Bessières, Petit Théâtre, Cour des Druides, Place du Château, Place du Parquet, Jardin de l’Académie and Esplanade de la Cathédrale.