By Claire Blakley (Y10)
Ever find yourself sweltering in the heat of summer time or stuck at home wishing you were relaxing on a beach somewhere else? If so, you’re in luck. Switzerland may be landlocked, but the cantons of Geneva and Vaud are home to a surprising number of beaches that are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the summer sun. So, put on your sunscreen, grab your towel, and let’s dive in.
Les Rocailles, Plage de Tannay, Plage de Versoix, and Plage de Céligny are just a few examples. Whether you live in the heart of Geneva or out in the countryside, there is a beach for everyone. Even large cities such as Geneva offer beautiful beaches right along the lake, including Eaux Vives Plage and Baby Plage. These beaches are perfect for a hot summer day or simply to unwind after a long day.
Les Rocailles:
(Image – Credit 1)
Many of the beaches mentioned above offer a variety of activities, restaurants, and programs. Les Rocailles offers sailing camps for everyone, from beginners to experienced sailors. It also has a volleyball court, a buvette, and a delicious Thai food truck which is definitely worth trying. With its large grassy areas and rocky beaches, it is an ideal location for families who want to play games and take a dip in the refreshing lake water.
Baby Plage:
Baby Plage, an urban beach situated near the Eaux-Vives neighbourhood, is the perfect place to escape the bustling city life. Its sandy beach and unique playground structure, constructed from old tires, make it a great spot for a swim.
Eaux-Vives Plage:
(Image – Credit 2)
Right next-door, Eaux-Vives Plage is one of the largest beaches in the area. It was recently renovated, with the addition of lockers, showers, and ramps which provide easier access to the water for visitors with reduced mobility. It even has equipment and games which can be rented through their mobile app. The best part? When you’re done swimming or relaxing by the water, you can simply take a short walk into town to buy ice or stop by one of the nearby buvettes and restaurants for a snack or meal.
Plage de Tannay:
Moreover, Plage de Tannay, with its harbour and long grassy shoreline, is the perfect destination for an afternoon excursion. It has a designated swimming area and several platforms which are fun to jump off of or simply swim out to if you’re feeling adventurous. Plage de Tannay is also home to a popular crêpe food truck, a bar, and a variety of events throughout the season.
Tannay beach is also home to a club called “Hi-5 Surfing Vibes “, which offers a wide range of unique activities, including pilates on paddleboards, polo on paddle boards, wing foiling, wake boarding, and many more activities. The club also provides lessons for these activities, making it ideal for people who are interested in trying a new water sport. It’s also the perfect place to sit back and relax while admiring the beauty of Geneva Lake.
Aare River – Bern:
(Image – Credit 3: Bern River Rafting)
Not included in the selection of beaches in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, the Aare river in Bern, is the perfect addition to your summer bucket list if you’re up for a bit of an adventure. Every summer, locals and visitors from across Switzerland gather in Bern to enjoy the famous floating route of this river. With its refreshing water and ideal and gentle current, the Aare attracts many people
Along the riverside, there is a walking route, which leads to several restaurants, entries to the river, rocky beaches, and low rise bridges which people enjoy jumping off of. The main area also has several pools with diving boards, and lanes for lap swimming. The Aare is home to several events over the summer season, including the Swiss Slackline Championship. One of the most popular stretches of the river lies in between Thun and Bern, offering two hours of uninterrupted floating. Rafts and large inflatable floats can be rented at various locations, making it easy to join the fun. Small beaches en route are the perfect spots to enjoy a picnic or take a break before continuing your journey down the river. Finally, the beautiful scenery along the way allows you to enjoy the journey all the way into Bern.
Bibliography:
Credit 1: “Plage des Rocailles”, Beach Searcher, https://beaches-searcher.com/en/beach/756301206/plage-des-rocailles, Accessed 08/06/2026
Credit 2: “Baignades à Genève: nos bons plans et recommandations”, Ville de Genève, https://www.geneve.ch/faire-geneve/faire-geneve-saisons/ete-geneve/baigner-geneve, Accessed 08/06/2026
Credit 3: “Aare Boating & Rafting Record”, Adventure Interlaken, 23/07/2023, https://adventureinterlaken.info/aare-boating-rafting-record/, Accessed 08/06/2026