The New Beach of Estavayer-le-Lac: swimming and cable skiing

A sandy beach by Lake Neuchâtel

In Estavayer-le-Lac, on the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, La Nouvelle Plage is a large relaxation area that combines fine sand, shaded lawns, and water activities. People come here to lay down their towels, let the kids run to the playground, and take a dip in the lake. But it is also home to the longest cable ski in Switzerland, which stretches 800 meters of gliding on the water. The result: a place where everyone finds their rhythm, from peaceful families to teens seeking thrills. A true summer destination in Romandy.

What your children will discover

The youngest have their playground and large grassy areas to frolic, plus swimming in the lake when it's hot. The older ones eye the water: the cable ski allows them to try water skiing or wakeboarding, towed by a cable rather than a boat, from the age of 10. The water sports center also offers rentals of paddleboards, pedal boats, surfboards, and catamarans. And for other activities, there is beach volleyball, table tennis, and mini-golf available on site.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a lake beach on a summer day: towels spread out, the smell of barbecues in the designated area, children making trips back and forth between the water and the playground. You can spend the whole day: swimming, picnicking, renting a pedal boat, watching the riders chain their runs on the cable ski. A snack bar and a restaurant allow you to eat without bringing everything with you. It’s family-friendly, lively without being overwhelming, and the lake water remains the main attraction for children.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages for the beach and playground; cable ski from 10 years old
• Duration: half a day to a full day
• Price: free access to the beach; the cable ski and rentals are paid (rates on the official website)
• Stroller accessibility: sandy beach and lawn, flat surroundings accessible on foot
• Transport: train to Estavayer-le-Lac, then the P'tit Train d'Estavayer (stop Nouvelle Plage); parking along Route de la Plage and Chemin de la Grande Gouille
• To bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, grilling supplies, water
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather

Parents' tips

• Swimming in a lake is not like a swimming pool: keep young children in sight, even near the shore
• For the cable ski, plan for a one-hour reservation including a short briefing for beginners
• Prefer the grills in the designated area: disposable grills are prohibited
• Arrive early on hot days to find a shady spot on the lawn
• Bring water shoes: the lake bottom can be rocky in places

Useful information

• Address: Chemin de la Grande Gouille 2, 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac
• Official website (water sports center and cable ski): https://www.alphasurf.ch
• Hours: the beach is freely accessible; for the cable ski and rentals, check the hours on the official website
• Access: train to Estavayer-le-Lac then P'tit Train d'Estavayer (stop Nouvelle Plage); parking nearby

Why we recommend it

Because it offers, in one place, something for everyone: a free and family-friendly beach for the little ones, barbecues and games for relaxation, and a real dose of adrenaline for teens with the longest cable ski in Switzerland. Access by train and P'tit Train is simple, and the setting of Lake Neuchâtel is beautiful: a successful summer day without complicating life.

In two words

Sandy beach, playground, barbecues, and cable ski by Lake Neuchâtel: the family outing in Estavayer-le-Lac.