Dorigny Beach: the large free beach of Lake Geneva at the foot of UNIL

A large free beach by Lake Geneva, in Saint-Sulpice

In Saint-Sulpice, the Dorigny Beach stretches along the shores of Lake Geneva, right at the mouth of the Chamberonne and at the foot of the UNIL and EPFL campus. People come for its large open space: sand, a vast lawn, trees providing shade, and an unobstructed view of the Alps and Mont-Blanc. The atmosphere is relaxed, halfway between a wild beach and an urban park. It's one of those places where you can lay down your towel without a reservation, without paying an entrance fee, and let the kids run between the water and the lawn. For an impromptu outing on a nice day, it doesn't get much simpler.

What your children will discover

Here, children have space, and that's exactly what they love. They can splash in the first few meters of Lake Geneva, build castles on the sandy strip, and then dash to the lawn for a game of ball. A playground completes the area for the little ones who are not yet confident in the water. The proximity to the mouth of the Chamberonne adds a touch of adventure: you can observe water birds, follow the current of the river flowing into the lake. And if your older ones are sporty, the area has a beach volleyball court and a Finnish track nearby.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Dorigny Beach is a lively place, frequented by both families and students from the nearby campus. People sunbathe, picnic on the grass, swim, and play. A concrete area is set up for barbecues (fires and grills are prohibited directly on the beach). The atmosphere remains calm and friendly, especially in the morning and early evening. Just a stone's throw away, the UNIL+EPFL Nautical Center offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, but these activities require separate reservations and are not freely accessible. For a family beach day, you can stick to the grass and sand: plenty to keep you busy.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and any age thereafter. Keep toddlers close to the water.
• Duration: half a day to a full day depending on your desire.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none for the beach. Nautical activities at the UNIL+EPFL Nautical Center require separate reservations.
• Stroller/Accessibility: natural terrain (sand and lawn); accessibility for people with reduced mobility to be confirmed.
• Transport: parking on the Vidy site, about 5 minutes on foot; bus nearby (Dorigny sector stop); metro M1 serves the campus area.
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, water, picnic, and sun protection (little shade depending on where you settle).
• Ideal season: summer, on nice days, to enjoy swimming.

Parent tips

• Arrive early on sunny days: the beach is popular and parking at Vidy fills up quickly.
• Settle near the trees to keep a shady spot, especially with little ones.
• Always supervise children in the water: lifeguarded swimming is not guaranteed (to be confirmed), stay alert.
• Bring sandals or water shoes: the lake bottom and edges can be rocky in places.
• Bring your picnic and your trash: remember to leave the beach clean, the on-site food options are not confirmed.

Useful information

• Address: Sentier de la Roselière, 1025 Saint-Sulpice (VD), by Lake Geneva, Dorigny / Chamberonne sector.
• Official website: check with the municipality of Saint-Sulpice and the Morges region for up-to-date information (hours, facilities, swimming).
• Hours: outdoor access; site opening hours to be confirmed with the municipality.
• Access: Vidy parking about 5 min on foot, bus nearby, metro M1 serving the UNIL/EPFL campus area.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Saint-Sulpice.

Why we recommend it

Dorigny Beach ticks all the boxes for a successful family outing by Lake Geneva: it's free, it's spacious, and there's plenty to do for all ages, from sandcastles to swimming to the playground. Its proximity to Lausanne and the UNIL campus makes it an easy getaway, even by public transport. A sure bet for a lovely summer day without breaking the bank.

In two words

A large public and free beach by Lake Geneva, in Saint-Sulpice: sand, lawn, games, and swimming, just a stone's throw from Lausanne. Perfect for a summer day with family.