Bâtiaz Beach: family swimming in Saint-Gingolph, at the foot of the mountains

A small sandy beach by Lake Geneva, a stone's throw from the border

La Plage de la Bâtiaz is nestled at the entrance of Saint-Gingolph, this unique village split in two by the Morge River: one half Swiss in Valais, one half French in Haute-Savoie. On the Valais side, right next to the charming little port of la Bâtiaz, the beach offers a stretch of fine sand that is particularly pleasant, facing the water. From there, the view stretches towards the Vaud Riviera, near Vevey and Montreux, with the peaks plunging into the lake. It’s a family-friendly swimming spot, free to access, where one can spend the day without rushing. A perfect stop for a nature outing by Lake Geneva, at the very end of the lake.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover a true water playground here. The swimming area, supervised during the summer season, allows them to splash around and swim confidently, under the watchful eye of parents. The more adventurous will aim for the diving board and the raft anchored a little further out, two classics that bring joy to summer afternoons. On land, play areas are reserved for children (from 5 years old), and a book box invites reading in the shade between swims. The backdrop of mountains and the comings and goings of boats on the lake complete the picture.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

People come to la Bâtiaz for a true family beach day: laying out the towel on the sand, alternating between swimming and building sandcastles, and enjoying the shaded areas when the sun is strong. The atmosphere is calm and friendly, reflecting the village. A snack bar allows for on-site dining without having to bring everything, and showers, changing rooms, and restrooms make logistics easy with children. Between dips, one observes the boats, snacks, and reads: the ideal rhythm of a summer outing by Lake Geneva.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old for splashing at the edge, dedicated play areas from 5 years old.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, you can arrive freely.
• Stroller / PRM accessibility: level access from the quay; check the official site for details (to be confirmed).
• Transport: CFF train station of Saint-Gingolph nearby; free beach parking (about 21 spaces, limited to 1h30 with a disc).
• To bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, armbands for the little ones, something to sit on, and some water.
• Ideal season: summer, when swimming is supervised and the lake water warms up.

Parent tips

• Arrive early on nice days: beach parking is limited (1h30, disc required), consider public transport or alternative parking for the day.
• Settle near shaded areas for the little ones' breaks, especially during hot hours.
• Keep toddlers within reach: swimming is only supervised during the summer season, stay vigilant outside of these hours.
• Enjoy the book box and play areas to keep children entertained between swims.
• Check the water temperature and weather before leaving: conditions can vary at the end of the lake.

Useful information

• Address: Quai Isaac de Rivaz, 1898 Saint-Gingolph (next to the port of la Bâtiaz).
• Official site: https://www.st-gingolph.com/plages/
• Hours: beach open access all year round; supervised swimming during the summer season (hours to be confirmed on the official site).
• Access: CFF train station of Saint-Gingolph nearby; free beach parking limited to 1h30 (disc).

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Saint-Gingolph.

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a human-sized lake beach, free and well-equipped, where you can spend a full day with children without complicating life: supervised swimming in summer, diving board, raft, games, and snack bar, all in a postcard setting between lake and mountains, at the southern tip of Lake Geneva.

In two words

A small sandy beach, free and family-friendly, by Lake Geneva in Saint-Gingolph, perfect for a day of swimming between lake and mountains.