Montchoisi Pool in Lausanne: swimming with real waves
And what if, without leaving Lausanne, your children could jump into real waves? At Montchoisi, the outdoor pool activates its wave machine several times each afternoon, in a large 50 m pool. Between the wading pool for the little ones and the lawn for picnicking, you can easily spend the day there with your family.
Waves in the Heart of Lausanne
The Montchoisi Pool is a summer institution in Lausanne, nestled just steps from the lake and the Olympic Museum. Its uniqueness is known throughout the region: a large 50 m pool equipped with a wave machine that activates several times each afternoon. For a few minutes, the pool transforms into a small choppy sea, and laughter abounds. Around it, a large wading pool for the little ones, a vast lawn for lounging, and a concrete solarium make the place a true family base camp. People come for an hour of splashing in the waves and often leave after a picnic.
What Your Children Will Discover
The star here is obviously the waves. When the machine activates, the large pool rises, and even seasoned swimmers enjoy being carried along. Children comfortable in the water love this little thrill of the sea right in Lausanne. For the younger ones, the wading pool offers shallow water to splash around safely, away from the hustle and bustle of the large pool. The more daring will test the diving board, while the whole family enjoys the lawn, sun loungers, and the unobstructed view. It’s an outing that combines swimming, play, and relaxation in the great outdoors.
What to Do There and the Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Montchoisi is that of a large, friendly neighborhood pool: families, teens, and regulars mingle as soon as the nice weather arrives. One alternates between wave sessions, laps in the 50 m pool, breaks on the lawn, and a detour to the bar-restaurant with its terrace overlooking the pool. On sunny afternoons, it's best to arrive early to secure a good spot for your towel. It’s a lively place, without fuss, where you can easily spend several hours without noticing the time fly by.
Before You Go
- Recommended Age: for everyone, from toddlers (wading pool) to teens (large pool and waves). Close supervision is essential for young children.
- Duration: from 2 hours to a full day, depending on your desire.
- Price: modest public rates (low-cost child entry); rates and subscriptions to be confirmed on the official City of Lausanne website.
- Reservation: no reservation needed, entry is on a daily basis.
- Stroller Accessibility: flat site, easy stroller access to the lawns; detailed accessibility information available on the official website.
- Transport: bus tl 21 and 25 (stop Musée Olympique), metro M2 (station Délices); limited parking in the area, prefer public transport.
- What to Bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, cap, and something for a picnic or a small budget for snacks.
- Ideal Season: mid-summer, in nice weather, to enjoy the waves and the lawn.
Parent Tips
- Arrive early in the afternoon on sunny days: it’s easier to find a spot on the lawn before the crowds arrive.
- Check the wave schedule upon arrival to time the children's swimming with the right slots.
- Set up the little ones by the wading pool, away from the large pool and the wave machine.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: shade is limited during the hottest hours.
- Keep a constant eye on the children, especially during the wave sessions when the pool becomes more turbulent.
Useful Information
- Address: Avenue A.-M.-Servan 30, 1006 Lausanne
- Official Website: Montchoisi Pool – City of Lausanne
- Hours: seasonal opening, generally from mid-May to mid-September; daily hours and exact dates to check on the official website.
- Access: bus tl 21 and 25 (stop Musée Olympique), metro M2 (station Délices).
Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Lausanne.
Why We Recommend It
Because few places in French-speaking Switzerland offer real outdoor waves, just steps from the city center and the lake. Montchoisi checks all the boxes for a good summer outing with family: thrills for the big ones, safety for the little ones, space to spread out, and light refreshments on site. It’s a sure bet when the thermometer rises and you’re looking to entertain the whole tribe without breaking the bank.
In Two Words
The Montchoisi Pool is the quintessential Lausanne swimming experience: a 50 m pool with a wave machine, a wading pool for the little ones, and a large lawn, all outdoors for a lovely summer afternoon with family.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Montchoisi Pool located?
Is there really a wave pool at Montchoisi?
Is the pool suitable for young children?
When is the Montchoisi Swimming Pool open?
How much is the entrance fee?
How to get to the Montchoisi Swimming Pool by public transport?
Is there anywhere to eat on site?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Lausanne
Vaud
Avenue A.-M.-Servan 30, 1006 Lausanne
Nearby
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