Geneva’s Best Beaches and Other Places to Take a Dip Around the Lake
Get ready to dive in! Le Colibry has all of the best spots for cooling off in and around Geneva this summer: the most beautiful beaches and shores on the lake, hotspots along the Rhône, plus a few nice outdoor pools. If you’d rather be on the water than in it, we’ve also put together recommendations for paddleboarding, windsurfing, boating, and more.
Beaches and Shores
Shiny and new, and right in town!
The grand opening of Eaux-Vives’s newest public beach is June 22. Lake Geneva’s newest beach is just a stone’s throw from the Jet d’Eau on Quai Gustave-Ador, between Baby Plage and Port Noir. It’s free to the public and it’s inaugural season goes until September 29, 2019. Check it out! More info: plagepubliqueeauxvives.ch
The classics
Genève Plage: this beach is very family-friendly and features kids attractions (kiddie pool, slide, standard pool, giant inflatables on the lake), big grassy spaces, food options, and a 50-meter Olympic-size pool for the swimmers in your crew. Stand-up paddleboards and beach chairs available for rent. Open from May 15 to September 15, 2019.
More info: geneve-plage.ch. Daily admission: 7 Swiss francs for adults, 3.50 Swiss francs for kids (6-15). Season passes and multiple-entry passes also available. Location
Bains des Pâquis: a Geneva icon. Popular for its roped-off swimming areas in the lake, diving platforms, pebble beach, floating rafts, snack bar, sauna and hammam. While you’re there, book a massage or rent a paddleboard. Open year round. Bonus points: their plat du jour is always delicious and very reasonably priced.
More info: bains-des-paquis.ch. Daily admission: 2 Swiss francs for adults, 1 for kids. Hammam entry: 10 Swiss francs (towel included). Location
Good to know: in July and August, Bains des Pâquis puts on “les aubes musicales,” (musical dawns), small music festivals at sunrise. The perfect way to start your day!
Left-bank gems
Note: starting this year, some beaches will charge admission for people who do not live along the water.
- Plage d’Hermance, in a cute village on the French border. Location
- Plage de la Savonnière, a gorgeous location with an even better view. Location
- Plage de la Nymphe, quiet and private, named after the mermaid statue that sits atop a rock in the water. Location
Docks on the Rhône
Docks line the banks of the Rhône river just downstream from the Seujet bridge. It’s a lovely place to swim. That said, stick to sunbathing on the dock when the floodgates are open, unless you’re a good swimmer; the current can get quite strong. For the complete summer experience, ride your bike there!
More info: Sentier des Saules – Jonction, Geneva. Location
Good to know: greet the morning at one of Yoga Lab’s summer sunrise yoga sessions. Learn more: lab.yoga.ch
Right-bank famous
- Plage du Reposoir, just a few minutes from Geneva’s international organization district, this beach has a designated swimming area, restaurant and showers. Paddleboard rental 15 Chf/hr. Location
- Plage du Vengeron: large lawn and lots of amenities: a snack bar, picnic tables, a pétanque court, and a kids play area. Steps lead down into the lake. Paddleboard and sailboat rental and private lessons available. Location
- Parc et Plage de la Bécassine in Versoix, Location
- Plage de Céligny, Location
- Les Creux de Genthod: a nice place to stop for lunch during an afternoon of boating. The restaurant’s patio is very pleasant and has great views of the lake. Address: 29 Route du Creux-de-Genthod. More info: creuxdegenthod.com
Warm-Weather Water Sports
Get active
Tropical Corner: windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and more. They offer both private lessons and group classes, and their gear is top of the line and well maintained. After your session, relax on their palm tree-filled patio, refreshment in hand. Lockers available. Address: 5 Quai de Colony, 1223 Cologny. More info: tropicalcorner.ch
Les Corsaires: 50 small boats for rent, including paddleboats, sailboats, and motorboats. Open every day starting in mid-March. If you’re interested in getting your boating license, they also offer “boater’s ed” classes.
Good to know: most of their rentals don’t require a boating license. Perfect for happy hour on the water after work.
More info: Les Corsaires – 33 Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Geneva. lescorsaires.ch
Another rental shop: Marina de la Belotte
Here are maps of other beaches in Geneva and around the lake.
Pools for Lounging or Laps
Public pools with outdoor amenities:
Fontenette in Carouge: similar to Genève Plage, just without the lake. Olympic-sized swimming pool, play area, snack bar, chaise lounge rental, and more. Other public pools include Piscine des Vernets and Varembé in Geneva.
Chic outdoor swimming pools at Geneva’s most luxurious hotels:
- Poolgarden Beach Club at the Hotel President Wilson: a chic oasis right in the heart of the Geneva, with gorgeous lake views and French Riviera vibes. 83° water and pool chairs available for rent (they’re included in your stay if you are a hotel guest). Weekday entry: 50 Swiss francs. More info: terrassepoolgarden.com
- Poolside at the InterContinental: a small piece of paradise in the big city. Take a dip in the large 79°-pool, relax on a comfy beach chair or on the lawn under an umbrella, and grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail at the restaurant/lounge. Opens June 28. More info: poolsideintercontinental.ch
- Urban Beach Club at the Hotel Kempinski: a summer “pop-up” space on the hotel patio is open until the end of September. Direct access to the pool and bar. Weekday entry: 50 Swiss francs. Weekends & holidays: 90 Swiss francs. More info: urbanbeachkempinski.ch
Read more about summer in Geneva : Mini Guide to Summertime Activities and Events Around the Lake
