Bellerive Beach in Grandson: family swimming at Lake Neuchâtel

A small quiet beach by Lake Neuchâtel

Grandson is that corner of Romandy where Lake Neuchâtel kisses the shore, just a stone's throw from the famous castle. Bellerive beach, located on the side of the Corcelettes, is one of those small municipal beaches that we love because they remain human-sized. Here, there are no oversized infrastructures: a shaded lawn that gently slopes down to the water, a few trees to shelter from the sun, and an unobstructed view of the lake and the Jura opposite. People come to lay down their towels, keep an eye on the children, and enjoy the tranquility. It's exactly the kind of place where you can spend the afternoon without realizing it.

What your children will discover

For children, Bellerive ticks all the boxes for a day at the lake. The lawn serves as a playground for running, picnicking, or lying in the shade when it gets too hot. The water of Lake Neuchâtel invites swimming and the first strokes, and a play area complements the zone for moments when they come out of the water. Between swims, they can observe water birds, collect pebbles, or watch boats pass by. It's a gentle introduction to the joys of the lake, in a setting that remains manageable for parents.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere here is family-friendly and relaxed, far from the hustle and bustle of large crowded beaches. You set up your camp on the lawn, alternating between swimming and resting in the shade, and the play area keeps the children occupied when they've had enough swimming. The snack bar allows you to have a drink or a snack without having to plan everything in advance. It's also a lovely base to combine pleasures: a swim in the morning, an ice cream at noon, then a visit to the nearby Château de Grandson in the afternoon. The pace is whatever you want to make of it.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, under constant parental supervision by the water.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access (to be confirmed with the municipality).
• Reservation: none, you come when you want.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: grassy terrain, access to be confirmed.
• Transport: CFF train station of Grandson on the Pied du Jura line (connections to Yverdon-les-Bains and Lausanne); parking nearby to be confirmed.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, water shoes, picnic supplies, and some water to drink.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is most pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot days to enjoy the shade of the trees and set up your quiet spot.
• Always keep the youngest within reach: swimming is not supervised, vigilance is your responsibility.
• Bring water shoes, as the lakeshore can be rocky in places.
• Enjoy the snack bar for a break without having to carry everything.
• Combine the beach with a visit to the Château de Grandson, just a few minutes away, for a varied day.

Useful information

• Address: Les Corcelettes, 1422 Grandson (Vaud)
• Official site: grandson.ch
• Hours: open access, no fixed hours (check the swimming season on the official site).
• Access: CFF train station of Grandson (Pied du Jura line), then a few minutes walk to the shore; parking nearby to be confirmed.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Grandson.

Why we recommend it

We love Bellerive for its simplicity: a small shaded lawn beach, a snack bar, a play area, and Lake Neuchâtel right there. It's the perfect place for a hassle-free outing, where children can expend energy and parents can relax in the shade. And since the Château de Grandson is just a stone's throw away, we have a truly lovely summer day for the family, between swimming and exploration.

In a nutshell

A small family-friendly and shaded beach by Lake Neuchâtel, in Grandson, perfect for a quiet day of swimming, games, and picnicking.