Paradis Plage: the largest sandy beach of Lake Neuchâtel in Colombier

Sand as far as the eye can see by Lake Neuchâtel

There are places where you lay down your towel and the day organizes itself: Paradis Plage, in Colombier, is one of them. Located in the municipality of Milvignes, between Auvernier and the village of Colombier, this beach offers the largest stretch of sand on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. People come here to splash in the shallow water near the shore, build castles, spread towels on the lawn, and enjoy the shade of the trees during the hot hours. With the Jura mountains in the background and the lake water within reach of your toes, it is one of the most popular summer spots for families in the Neuchâtel Littoral.

What your children will discover

The little ones find here an ideal playground: real sand for digging and building, a gradual entry into the water, and a large playground to let off steam between swims. The older kids make trips back and forth in the water, organize ping-pong or pétanque games, and test the watercraft available for rent (paddle, canoe, deck chairs depending on the season). All summer long, the association Vivacité brings the beach to life with a program of free activities: there is often something to discover on site.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a family-friendly and relaxed lakeside beach: alternating swimming, napping in the shade, snacks on the lawn, and games. The sand, pleasant underfoot, is a change from the usual pebble beaches of the lake. When hunger strikes, the restaurant and snack bar on site allow you to grab a drink or eat without having to leave. It’s a place where you can easily spend the whole day, choosing between the water, the sand, and the shaded spots depending on the children's mood.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and for all ages thereafter (unsupervised swimming, parental supervision essential).
• Duration: from half a day to a full day.
• Price: access to the public beach is free. Rentals (paddle, canoe, deck chairs) and dining are chargeable.
• Reservation: none for the beach; to be confirmed for equipment rental with the site.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: flat surroundings close to the parking lot; sand is more difficult with a stroller, to be confirmed for PRM facilities.
• Transport: parking on site; Colombier train station and transN stops nearby (Littorail to Neuchâtel).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, water, and something to keep busy on the sand.
• Ideal season: in the height of summer, in good weather, to enjoy swimming.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on sunny weekends: the beach and parking fill up quickly.
• Swimming is not supervised: keep the children in sight and stay close to them in the water.
• Plan for shade (parasol) in addition to the trees during the hottest hours.
• Slip a bucket, shovel, and ball into the bag: the sand delights little ones for hours.
• Check the water quality on the day before leaving, as the lake may occasionally have swimming advisories.

Useful information

• Address: Allée du Port, 2013 Colombier (municipality of Milvignes), canton of Neuchâtel.
• Official website: paradisplage.ch (dining and rentals; check for hours and rates).
• Hours: the public beach is freely accessible; hours for the restaurant and rentals to be confirmed on the official site.
• Access: parking on site; by public transport, Colombier train station and Littorail/bus transN to Neuchâtel.

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

Why we recommend it

Because with its large sandy beach, shallow water, playground, and snack bar, Paradis Plage checks all the boxes for a successful summer day with family. The free and open access to the beach, the ease of parking, and the free summer activities make it a safe bet in the Neuchâtel Littoral, whether for an impromptu swim or a planned outing with the kids.

In two words

The largest sandy beach on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, free and family-friendly, in Colombier. Sand, swimming, games, and a snack bar: everything is there for a beautiful summer day.