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About this place
Église de la Croix d'Ouchy is a nineteenth-century church in the Ouchy lakeside district of Lausanne, built in 1840 for the local Anglican community. Today it belongs to the Reformed church. It also appears under the names Temple de la Croix d'Ouchy and Temple des Jordils.
Why was a church built in Ouchy?
Ouchy attracted many British visitors and residents in the early 1800s, and the Anglican congregation wanted a place of worship of its own. The city of Lausanne provided the land, and the municipality approved the plans. English philanthropist William Haldimand gave CHF 75,000 toward the cost.
Who used the building?
From the start, the church was shared with the official Reformed parish of the canton of Vaud. The Anglicans worshipped there for about 39 years before moving to Christ Church, completed in 1878 to a design by George Edmund Street. The two should not be confused. Croix d'Ouchy is the older building, and it has stayed in Reformed use.
How has the building changed?
A bell and a small timber belfry were added to the tower around 1887, and a first extension followed around 1902. A 1990 monograph, "Église de la Croix d'Ouchy: 1840–1990" by André Bardet, Alfred Regamey and Pierre Vollichard, covers its history.
What is its future?
Church use has declined. In a 2023 proposal (préavis no. 2023/31), the city suggested converting the building into an after-school care centre, with an energy-efficiency renovation. Council approved a CHF 600,000 study credit in January 2024. Check in advance whether the interior is open, since its function may change.
Where is it and what is nearby?
The church stands in Ouchy, a short walk from Lake Geneva (coordinates 46.5113 N, 6.6295 E). It works well as a stop on a stroll through the district along with the waterfront and harbour. The building is modest in scale. Its appeal lies in its story, a reminder of the British community that took root in Ouchy.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Église de la Croix d'Ouchy built?
In 1840, on land supplied by the municipality of Lausanne.
Who paid for it?
English philanthropist William Haldimand donated CHF 75,000.
Is it the same as the Anglican Christ Church in Lausanne?
No. Christ Church was completed in 1878. The Anglicans moved there after about 39 years at Croix d'Ouchy.
Is it still used for services?
Worship use has fallen, and the city plans to convert it into an after-school facility. Check the current status before visiting.
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