Bioux Beach: swimming at altitude at Lake Joux

A lake beach like in the mountains, at Bioux

Perched at 1004 meters above sea level, the Plage des Bioux is anything but an ordinary lake beach. We are here in the Vallée de Joux, in the heart of the Vaud Jura, on the shore of Lake Joux, in the hamlet of Bioux (municipality of L'Abbaye). The setting is wide and soothing: the lake water, the forests of Risoud that descend to the shore, and a large partially shaded grassy area where one can settle down peacefully. It’s the perfect spot for a summer day with family, away from the crowds of the large beaches of Lake Geneva, with that crisp and fresh mountain air.

What your children will discover

Your children will love this human-sized beach, where transitioning from towel to water is easy. The terrain alternates between grassy areas, wood chip spaces, and pebbles at the water's edge: perfect for splashing around, building, observing little fish, and drying off in the sun between swims. The presence of a nautical base adds to the fun of seeing pedal boats, kayaks, and paddles passing by, and encourages older kids to give it a try. And then there’s that special feeling of swimming “up high,” in mountain lake water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

People come here for a true day by the water: spreading out a blanket on the grass, finding a shady spot under the trees, alternating between swimming, picnicking, and lounging. When the Altitude 1004 nautical base is open, you can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or paddles and explore the lake at your own pace. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, typical of the Vallée de Joux: no concrete, no hustle and bustle, just a large natural space where families can settle for the day. A path runs along the lake and invites you to take a walk or bike ride before or after swimming.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and for all ages (access to the water and supervision of children remain the responsibility of parents).
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach. Nautical rentals and purchases at the snack bar are paid (prices to be confirmed on site).
• Reservation: no reservation needed for the beach.
• Stroller/Accessibility: natural terrain (grass, chips, pebbles); stroller access possible up to the lawn but to be confirmed for people with reduced mobility.
• Transport: public parking near the chapel of Bioux, along the road that follows the eastern shore of the lake. Also accessible via the Bioux landing stage (boat on Lake Joux, in season).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, picnic, and a light sweater as it can be cool at altitude.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather. Public restrooms are accessible from May 1 to October 31.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on heatwave weekends: the nice shady spots under the trees fill up quickly.
• The water of a mountain lake remains cool: bring a warm towel and something to warm up after swimming.
• There is no (to our knowledge) lifeguard supervision: always keep an eye on young children at the water's edge.
• Slip water shoes into your bag: the pebbles at the water's edge can be uncomfortable for little feet.
• Take advantage of the nautical base for a pedal boat or paddle outing, a lovely way to explore the lake with the kids.

Useful information

• Address: Les Bioux, 1346 L'Abbaye (Vallée de Joux, Vaud canton).
• Official website: Vallée de Joux Tourisme.
• Hours: beach open access; public restrooms from May 1 to October 31; snack bar and nautical base open in the summer season (hours to be confirmed on site).
• Access: public parking at the chapel of Bioux, along the eastern shore of the lake; Bioux landing stage nearby (navigation on Lake Joux in season).

Want more outings? Find all our activities in L'Abbaye.

Why we recommend it

Because you experience an authentic beach day, free and natural, in a rare setting: swimming at over 1000 meters above sea level, between the lake and the Jura forests, is a break away from the hustle and bustle. For families from the French-speaking part of Switzerland looking for an alternative to the beaches of Lake Geneva, the Plage des Bioux ticks all the boxes: free access, grass, shade, water activities, and fresh air.

In two words

A public and free beach by Lake Joux, at Bioux: grass, pebbles, shade, and a nautical base for a beautiful summer day with family, all at altitude.