Place d'Armes Beach in Saint-Prex: lawn and dock by the lake

A lakeside view at child height, in the heart of Saint-Prex

The beach at Place d'Armes is that corner of the lake you wish you had at the end of your street. Nestled between the old medieval town of Saint-Prex and the port, on Avenue de Taillecou, it features a vast lawn shaded by large trees down to the pebble and small gravel shore. Across the way, the view stretches towards the Alps and Lake Geneva. It’s a public place, simple and generous, where you can lay out your towel, where children run towards the water, and where you can happily stay until evening. And the best part: everything is free.

What your children will discover

Here, there’s no tiled pool: it’s the real lake, with its gentle shore where the little ones splash around and the older ones swim. In summer, a floating dock set offshore becomes the headquarters for swimmers: you climb up, jump, and do it again. A secure playground occupies the children when they come out of the water, and the large lawn is perfect for ball games, kites, or napping in the shade. Enthusiasts will also see windsurfers and divers enjoying this body of water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a village beach: family-friendly, calm, and unpretentious. People come for the day with a picnic, settle on the lawn, and the children make trips back and forth between the water and the playground. Tables allow for eating without sitting on the ground, and grills are available for those who want to barbecue sausages or vegetables. Dogs are allowed on a leash. In the late afternoon, the light on the lake and the Alps is worth the trip by itself.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (close supervision near the water), up to teenagers who enjoy the dock.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, you come as you wish.
• Accessibility: facilities accessible to persons with reduced mobility (PRM).
• Transport: bus stop Saint-Prex, Place d'Armes; CFF train station of Saint-Prex; CGN landing stage; parking spaces nearby.
• What to bring: sunscreen, hat, water shoes (pebble shore), picnic, and water.
• Ideal season: summer, when the dock is set up and the water is warmer.

Parent tips

• Bring water shoes: the shore is made of pebbles and gravel, more comfortable for your feet.
• Arrive early on beautiful summer weekends: the lawn and parking spaces fill up quickly.
• Keep the youngest ones within reach: the beach is not supervised, swimming remains your responsibility.
• Bring your picnic supplies: there is no refreshment stand on site, but the town of Saint-Prex is just a stone's throw away for additional supplies.
• Identify the dock with the older kids and set a clear limit before letting them swim out.

Useful information

• Address: Avenue de Taillecou (Place d'Armes), 1162 Saint-Prex (Vaud).
• Official site: Commune de Saint-Prex.
• Hours: open every day, approx. 7am–11pm (to be confirmed with the municipality).
• Access: bus stop Saint-Prex, Place d'Armes; CFF train station of Saint-Prex; CGN landing stage; parking nearby.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a free lakeside beach, shaded and well-equipped, just steps away from a charming medieval town: the perfect combo for a family outing without complicated planning. Lawn, playground, dock in summer, and PRM access: everyone finds their pace, from toddlers to teenagers, and your wallet stays closed.

In two words

A beautiful public and free beach by Lake Geneva in Saint-Prex, with a lawn, playground, and dock in summer: the simple spot for a family day by the water.