Rive Bleue Beach: family swimming by Lake Geneva, in Bouveret

A free beach by Lake Geneva, where the Rhône meets the lake

At the eastern end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône flows into the lake, Bouveret hides a public beach favored by families: Rive Bleue beach. People come here to lay their towels by the water, let the children splash around, and enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake and the Chablais mountains. The spot is known for its gently sloping entry into the water, ideal when you have young swimmers to watch over. Since the municipality of Port-Valais took over its management, access to the beach is free. It's a hassle-free outing, perfect for a summer day with family, with the Aquaparc and the boat landing stage just a stone's throw away.

What your children will discover

At Rive Bleue, children discover the simple pleasure of swimming in a large lake. The gentle slope allows them to enter the water at their own pace, where they can still stand. They can watch the passing boats, spot the lighthouse at the end of the pier, and on clear days, admire the Dents du Midi reflected in Lake Geneva. It's also an opportunity to let them experience an iconic corner of Romandy: the mouth of the Rhône, where the river becomes a lake.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a family-friendly lake beach without fuss: you spread your towel, swim, and have a picnic. A refreshment stand linked to the Rive Bleue campsite, accessible to all, allows you to have a drink or snack without having planned everything. On site, there are also activities available, like a ping-pong table, and the water is suitable for water sports (pedalo, windsurfing, canoeing). Note: the beach is not supervised, so the supervision of children remains the responsibility of the parents.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from a young age, the gentle slope reassures parents with toddlers.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach (the nearby pool and Aquaparc are paid and independent).
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller accessibility: flat surroundings close to parking; to be confirmed for direct access to the water's edge.
• Transport: CFF train station in Bouveret very close (a pedestrian path connects the station and parking to the beach), CGN landing stage nearby; paid public parking (approx. 7 CHF/day, to be confirmed).
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, picnic, and water.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water has warmed up.

Parents' tips

• Since the beach is not supervised, keep children within sight in the water and favor the area where they can stand.
• Water shoes are useful: depending on the spots, the bottom can mix sand and gravel.
• Arrive early on beautiful summer days: the space is popular and the parking fills up quickly.
• Plan for shade (umbrella) as the beach is open and sunny.
• Consider the nearby Aquaparc to extend the day if swimming in the lake isn't enough (paid entry, separate).

Useful information

• Address: Rive Bleue Beach, Le Bouveret, 1897 Port-Valais (Valais).
• Official website: Bouveret tourist office — bouveret.ch (for practical information and access).
• Hours: free access; check the opening hours of the refreshment stand and services on the official website.
• Access: train to the CFF station in Bouveret, CGN boat at the Bouveret landing stage, or car with paid public parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Bouveret.

Why we recommend it

Because it is one of the few public and free beaches on the Valais side of Lake Geneva, easily accessible by train or car, with a gently sloping entry that puts families at ease. We love its simple and lakeside vibe, and the possibility to combine swimming with the Aquaparc, a stroll at the port, or a mini-cruise on the lake.

In a nutshell

A free and family-friendly lake beach in Bouveret, perfect for a day of swimming by Lake Geneva, just steps away from the Aquaparc and the train station.