Eaux-Vives Beach: swimming in the heart of Geneva

A real beach by Lake Geneva, right in Geneva

Imagine a 400-meter beach stretching into the blue waters of the lake, right in front of the harbor and the Jet d'Eau: this is the Plage des Eaux-Vives, permanently opened in August 2020 on the Gustave-Ador quay. On two hectares, you'll find sand, pebbles, vast lawns, and about seventy trees planted for shade. The place can accommodate several thousand people on hot days, but it remains a lovely little stretch of coastline to lay down your towel with family. People come here to swim, picnic, play, and enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake, all without paying an entrance fee. It's hard to find something more convenient when looking for a cool outing with kids.

What your children will discover

The little ones love this beach because the water gently slopes in: there is a shallow area, separated from the deep water by a floating barrier, ideal for splashing around with confidence. Children can play in the sand, build castles, watch the boats coming into the harbor, and spot ducks and other lake birds. The large lawn provides space to run, play ball, or have a card game in the shade of a tree. It's a great way to give them a day at the sea... just a few tram stops from downtown.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a large city beach: families, bathers, walkers, and joggers share the space in a relaxed environment. One alternates between swimming, sunbathing on the sand or pebbles, and resting in the shade on the lawn. The new public port and the Maison de la Pêche complete the setting, and you can extend your walk along the quay to the Baby-Plage and the nearby Parc La Grange. It's a lively place in the summer, where you encounter as many parents with strollers as teenagers coming to cool off after school.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and all ages in family (shallow water suitable for the youngest, under parental supervision).
• Duration: from 2 hours to a whole day.
• Price: access to the beach free. Food and drink services are paid (prices to be confirmed on site).
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: flat site with a ramp to the water for people with reduced mobility; easy stroller access along the quay.
• Transport: tram/bus lines 2, 6, E, and G (stop Merle-d'Aubigné or Parc et plage), Geneva Mouettes line M3 to Port-Noir; over 200 bike parking spaces. Preferably come by public transport.
• What to bring: swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, water, towel, and water shoes (presence of pebbles).
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, for swimming.

Parents' tips

• Aim for the morning or late afternoon in peak season: it's cooler and the beach is less crowded.
• Settle down on the shallow area side with the little ones: the floating barrier reassures and limits unpleasant surprises.
• Water shoes prevent injuries on the pebbles, especially for children.
• Swimming is not supervised: always keep children within sight, access to the lake is under your responsibility.
• Remember the showers and drinking water fountains on site to rinse off and rehydrate.

Useful information

• Address: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1208 Geneva.
• Official website: City of Geneva – Plage des Eaux-Vives.
• Hours: beach with free access (exact opening hours of the site to be confirmed on the official site); restaurant open daily from 9 AM to midnight.
• Access: tram/bus 2, 6, E, G (stop Merle-d'Aubigné or Parc et plage), Mouettes M3 (Port-Noir), bike parking on site.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it offers a real beach experience, free and just steps from the center: shallow water for the little ones, sand and lawn to settle down, a view of the harbor, and public transport at the entrance. It's the ideal outing on hot days when you want the lake without the car or the budget of a day at the pool.

In two words

A large public and free beach by Lake Geneva, with shallow water and a large park: one of the best summer outings for families in Geneva.