Les Rencontres du Royal

Lausanne's not-to-be-missed cultural rendezvous. 

For one evening, the Salon Royal becomes an intimate space for dialogue, where an inspiring figure shares their journey and perspective on today's major topics, in a conversation moderated by journalist Romaine Jean. A rare moment of closeness, where anyone can speak up and ask questions directly to our guest of honor.

Join us from 6:00 PM for this warm and engaging conversation, where curiosity, culture and human connection meet.

One of Switzerland's most respected pediatric cardiac surgeons, René Prêtre studied medicine at the University of Geneva before training in New York and working in several European hospitals. He then returned to Switzerland to specialize in surgery for congenital heart defects in children. He successively headed the pediatric cardiac surgery departments in Zurich, in Lausanne at CHUV, and then in Geneva, before stepping down as head of department in 2022 to devote more time to his humanitarian work. Over more than 40 years, he has operated on more than 6,000 children's hearts and is today considered one of Europe's leading specialists in his field. In 2009, his renown reached beyond the medical world: he was named "Swiss Person of the Year" at the Swiss Awards ceremony. Seven years earlier, in 2006, he had founded the Le Petit Cœur foundation, which has since been committed to developing pediatric cardiac surgery in Mozambique and Cambodia — a humanitarian commitment he continues to this day. René Prêtre is also the author of the bestseller Et au centre bat le cœur, in which he reflects on his career and the moving stories of his young patients.

Discover the inspiring leaders, innovators, and personalities who have shared their insights during previous editions of the Rencontres. Explore the diversity of voices that have shaped meaningful conversations and enriched our community.