No need to leave Lausanne to go to the beach, there is Lake Geneva!

Ouchy Beach

Long awaited, it’s here at last: the brand-new Ouchy Beach, located in the Old Port! A platform that extends over the water, where we can just picture ourselves basking all day, alternating between soaking up the sun and cooling down in the lake’s turquoise waters. We won’t need to be asked twice to enjoy it all summer long! Icing on the cake, the well-known Veneta ice cream stand is just a few metres away to refuel with scrumptious ice creams at any time.

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Une publication partagée par Lausanne Tourist Board (@thelausanner)

Beaches around the Bourget

It’s quite straightforward: beyond Vidy Port (heading towards Geneva), over one and a half kilometres of beaches await you. You can actually bathe right up to the University’s sports grounds. You’ll also find a pedal-boat rental for a spin on the lake and a few refreshment stalls for a snack.

Some of the beaches are tiny, in the shade of a few trees, around the Vidy Bowl. Then a long stretch of sand provides a direct access to the lake. A footpath lets you leisurely follow the lakeside with a few energetic people who will overtake you on a bicycle or rollerblades. On the other side of the path, Bourget Park is the ideal place for barbecues with friends, summer get-togethers that often go on until late into the night. A golden opportunity to dive into the lake for a midnight bathe before heading back into town.

Vidy Theater beach

On the other side of the Vidy port, right in front of the Theatre, a charming little beach awaits you in an equally relaxed setting. Here you can alternate between a refreshing swim and cocktails in one of the adjoining restaurant-bars.

Lutry beach

A short 15 minutes away from the town centre, the village of Lutry possesses a beach that’s very popular with the locals. Despite its small size (about 200 metres long), there’s something for people of all ages. A playground for children, a diving board for teenagers and a lawn where adults relax in the sun. The more adventurous can give stand-up paddle boarding a try.

As the spot is in high demand, you might not find room to bring your own barbecue. No worries, though, the Lutry beach snackbar is open. Grilled meats or ice creams, beers or soda – we did say there was something for everyone! It’s family-friendly and the last beachgoers leave around 10 pm. For those who would like to enjoy the panorama on the way back, you can walk along the lakeside all the way to Ouchy. A nice 5-kilometre walk on the waterfront.

The alternative when you can’t choose between the pool and the beach

For those who love the sand without giving up the comfort of a swimming pool, the beaches at Bellerive and Pully offer the perfect deal.

The Bellerive swimming pool

Running alongside the lake for almost 400 yards, the complex has direct access to the lake from its own stretch of sand beach. There are also three pools (one of them Olympic), four diving boards (up to 10 metres), basketball, beach volleyball and football pitches, table tennis tables, a large stretch of lawn and a restaurant. There’s plenty to do at Bellerive !

Pully swimming pool

With its three pools – including a paddling pool ideal for toddlers – Pully’s open-air swimming pool on the shores of Lake Geneva is the perfect place to cool off with family and friends. Between dips, you can enjoy a game of table tennis or beach volleyball, before relaxing at the refreshment bar on the charming terrace. Summer spirit is guaranteed!