Onnens Beach: peaceful swimming by Lake Neuchâtel

A hidden beach in the woods, by Lake Neuchâtel

There are spots we keep a little to ourselves, and the Plage d'Onnens is one of them. Nestled among the woods lining the northern Vaud shore of Lake Neuchâtel, this small public beach exudes calm. No crowds, no fanfare: just a green lawn gently sloping down to the water, trees for shade, and the lapping of the lake. Just a stone's throw from Grandson and Yverdon, it's the perfect place when you're looking for a simple and peaceful swim with family, without spending a dime. A true breath of nature for a successful summer day.

What your children will discover

Your children will love the freedom of this small-scale beach. The lawn serves as their playground, the lake's water as their swimming pool, and the surrounding woods invite small explorations. It's the kind of place where you splash around, build makeshift huts, and watch the passing ducks. Away from attractions and screens, they rediscover simple pleasures: getting their feet wet, skipping stones in the water, and drying in the sun on a towel.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, you come to slow down. You spread your towel on the lawn, set up a picnic in the shade of the trees, and enjoy. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, without agitation. The older ones swim and venture out, while the little ones stay close to the shore, on the gentle slope. Between swims, you read, play cards, or take a nap. At the end of the day, the light on the lake and the foothills of the Jura across offer a magnificent backdrop. It's the beach for afternoons that stretch without noticing the time passing.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, with constant supervision near the water.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, you come whenever you want.
• Stroller/PRM accessibility: to be confirmed (natural terrain and wooden path).
• Transport: parking on site; public transport access to be checked (CFF station of Onnens-Bonvillars nearby, to be confirmed).
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, water, and picnic.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water has warmed up.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot weekends to enjoy the best shady spots under the trees.
• Always keep an eye on the children: swimming is not supervised.
• Bring water shoes, as the bottom can mix sand and pebbles depending on the spots.
• Bring everything you need (water, snacks, parasol): on-site services are limited.
• Slip a small net or scoop into your bag; children love observing life by the water.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin de la plage, 1425 Onnens (VD)
• Official site: check with the municipality of Onnens (onnens.ch) for up-to-date information.
• Hours: open access; no fixed hours (seasonal refreshment stand, to be confirmed).
• Access: parking on site; by train, Onnens-Bonvillars station nearby (walking route to be confirmed).

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

Why we recommend it

Because it's exactly the kind of beach we love to share: authentic, free, and relaxing. Away from large tourist developments, the Plage d'Onnens offers families a natural swim, in the shade of the woods, with the beauty of Lake Neuchâtel as a backdrop. A well-kept secret of northern Vaud, perfect for a hassle-free summer day.

In two words

A public, free, and peaceful beach by Lake Neuchâtel, ideal for a family swim in the woods, near Grandson and Yverdon.