Nature and animals for children in Pont-la-Ville

How do you make a lake? In 1948, an 83-metre concrete wall blocked the Sarine and flooded a whole valley: Lake Gruyère was born. The Rossens dam is discovered from its surroundings, with an easy 2.3-kilometre walk along the water.

Do your children dream of an island with a real castle? In the middle of Lake Gruyère, the Île d'Ogoz keeps two towers from the 13th century and a small white chapel. You reach it by solar-powered boat from the Port du Bry, and on a few days each year, on foot.

Escaping the crowded beaches? The one at Pont-la-Ville is smaller and more intimate, with clear water and welcoming banks on the shore of Lake Gruyère. A quiet corner with open access, two steps from the Golf de la Gruyère and the Rossens dam footbridge.

Fancy a beach where you can still hear the birds? The one at La Roche is among the least busy on Lake Gruyère: generous vegetation, calm water and a refreshment stand in summer. It is also from this shore that kayak and paddle outings set off.

Fancy seeing Lake Gruyère from the water rather than from the beach? In La Roche, Kayak Aventure rents kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards on the lakeside, with a half-price rate for 8 to 16 year olds. Guided outings lead all the way to the Île d'Ogoz.

Fancy a beach where you can spread out your towels without bumping into anyone? At Gumefens, the lawn unrolls nearly 2,000 m2 on the shore of Lake Gruyère, with the Île d'Ogoz and its medieval ruins as a backdrop. Entirely free, with a large car park right beside it, along the Route du Marais.

Looking for a lake beach where the little ones can paddle safely? At Corbières, at the spot known as La Montagnetta, the lawn slopes very gently down to the water in the shade of tall trees. Playground, fire pits for barbecues and completely free access.

What if the whole family boarded the same boat, with no licence and no experience? In Corbières, Aventure Gruyère rents licence-free boats, kayaks from CHF 15 and paddleboards, including giant models. There are even treasure hunts on the water.