Moratel Beach: the large grassy cove of Cully in the heart of Lavaux

A vast lawn by Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Lavaux vineyards

To the east of Cully, in the municipality of Bourg-en-Lavaux, Moratel Beach is one of the most beautiful public beaches on Lake Geneva. On over 6,000 m² of grass protected by rock formations, there is shade under the trees, a small cove appreciated by families, and a gradual entry into the water via pebbles. All of this is set at the foot of the Lavaux vineyards, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, facing the French Alps of Évian and Thonon. It is the perfect address for a simple, free, and sunny day of swimming, just a stone's throw from the port of Cully.

What your children will discover

Children love Moratel for its large lawn to run on, its shallow water near the shore, and its sheltered little cove. They splash around safely, build huts with the pebbles, and watch the ducks and passing boats. The view of the lake and mountains changes throughout the day, and the shaded areas allow for a breather during the hottest hours. It’s a natural playground, without rides or screens, where one can rediscover the simple pleasure of a day by the water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

People come to Moratel to swim, picnic on the grass, and bask in the sun. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, especially during the week; summer weekends are livelier. One spreads their towel on the grass, alternates between swimming and resting in the shade, and enjoys the beach bar (La Cambuse Plage, open in spring and summer) for a drink or a snack. Dogs are allowed on a leash. It’s a place where one can easily spend the entire day, between the lake, the lawn, and the view of Lavaux.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, under constant supervision near the water; ideal for the whole family.
• Duration: from one to several hours, up to a full day.
• Price: free (public beach with open access).
• Reservation: none, open access.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: mainly grass and pebbles; generally flat access from the parking lot (to be confirmed for independent PRM use).
• Transport: CFF train station in Cully about 1 km away, Épesses station even closer; parking on site.
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water shoes for the pebbles, picnic, and water.
• Ideal season: from spring to the end of summer, in good weather.

Parents' tips

• Set up near the cove: the water is calmer there and the entry is gentler for little ones.
• Bring water shoes, as the entry is on pebbles.
• Arrive early on summer weekends to find shade and a quiet spot.
• Always keep an eye on the children: there is no swimming supervision.
• Consider a windbreaker for the end of the day, as the lake breeze can cool down.

Useful information

• Address: Route du Moratel, 1096 Cully (Bourg-en-Lavaux, Vaud).
• Official site: check with the municipality of Bourg-en-Lavaux and Montreux-Vevey Tourism for up-to-date information.
• Hours: public beach with open access; hours for the beach bar to be confirmed on site according to the season.
• Access: CFF train station in Cully (~1 km) or Épesses station (closer) on the Simplon line; parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Bourg-en-Lavaux.

Why we recommend it

Moratel Beach ticks all the boxes for a successful family outing in French-speaking Switzerland: it’s free, it’s by Lake Geneva, it’s easily accessible by train from Lausanne, and the setting of the Lavaux vineyards is simply spectacular. Its large lawn and sheltered cove make it a reassuring place for children, while parents enjoy the view and the beach bar. A safe bet for a day of swimming without breaking the bank.

In two words

A vast public and free beach in Cully, in the heart of Lavaux: lawn, family cove, and swimming in Lake Geneva, with a view of the Alps.