Crans Beach: family swimming by Lake Geneva in Crans-près-Céligny

A pocket beach at the foot of the Crans port

The Crans Beach is nestled by Lake Geneva, in Crans-près-Céligny, right next to the municipal port. It is a public and free beach, family-sized: people come here to swim in the lake, lay their towel on the grass, and enjoy the view of the water and the Alps. Just a few kilometers from Nyon, in the La Côte region, it remains a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle of large beaches. The swimming area is marked by buoys, and children have plenty to do between the water, games, and grass. A classic for beautiful summer days in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

What your children will discover

Children drop their belongings on the grass and dash towards the water: swimming takes place in a designated area marked by buoys, by the largest lake in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Between dips, they can find the playground to burn off energy while staying dry. The setting, both lakeside and green, also provides great opportunities to observe ducks, boats coming in and out of the port, and the silhouette of the Alps on the horizon. It is a gentle introduction to swimming in a lake, in a contained and reassuring environment.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, we alternate between swimming, games, and picnics. The grass serves as a headquarters: we have lunch, sunbathe, and the little ones frolic while the adults swim. Ball enthusiasts can enjoy the beach volleyball court, and families who want to grill can settle around the available grills for picnicking. When you don't feel like cooking, the port's refreshment stand takes over with drinks and snacks. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, typical of a village beach where you can spend the day without rushing.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and all ages in family (swimming for younger ones always under close adult supervision).
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free (open access).
• Reservation: none, open access.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: to be confirmed with the municipality or the tourist office.
• Transport: near the cantonal road, parking near the port; CFF train station of Céligny a short distance away (check bus connections from Nyon).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, water shoes (rocky areas in places), picnic or grilling supplies, umbrella, and towels.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather; the port's refreshment stand is open from March to October.

Parents' tips

• Keep young children within reach: the swimming area is marked by buoys, but supervision remains the responsibility of parents.
• Bring water shoes: the shore can be rocky or stony in certain areas.
• Arrive early on sunny days to find shade and a good spot on the grass.
• Slip some grilling supplies into the bag: the grills on site quickly turn the outing into a mini family barbecue.
• Check the weather and water temperature before leaving, especially at the beginning and end of the season.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin du Port, 1298 Crans (Crans-près-Céligny), Vaud.
• Official site: tourist office of La Côte (lacote-tourisme.ch); municipal information on cransvd.ch.
• Hours: beach open access; port refreshment stand open from March to October (days and hours to be confirmed on site).
• Access: near the cantonal road, parking near the port; CFF train station of Céligny nearby.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Crans-près-Céligny.

Why we recommend it

It is the quintessential simple and free swimming outing: a human-sized corner of Lake Geneva, with everything needed for a successful family day (games, grills, refreshment stand, grass). Just a stone's throw from Nyon, in La Côte, Crans Beach allows you to enjoy the lake without a budget and without crowds, in a tranquil and green setting.

In two words

A small public and free beach on Lake Geneva in Crans-près-Céligny, perfect for a family day of swimming, games, and grilling.