Pedal Boats in Vevey: a family outing on Lake Geneva

On Lake Geneva, along the quays of Vevey

Vevey is lucky to open directly onto Lake Geneva, with its iconic Riviera quays and its large Place du Marché by the water. Near the quays, you can rent a pedalo from the Vevey Nautic Center and glide gently away from the shore, facing the Alps and the Dents du Midi. It's one of the simplest and most joyful summer outings to enjoy as a family: nothing to bring, just the urge to pedal together and enjoy the water.

What your children will discover

As soon as they put their feet on the pedals, the children take charge: they steer, speed up, aim for a buoy in the distance and watch the CGN boats go by offshore. It's a gentle, sensory activity that builds coordination and quickly gives a sense of pride: "I'm the one driving." Between strokes, you watch the ducks, enjoy the cool of the lake and let yourself drift to the calm rhythm of the Riviera.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

The mood is that of the shores of Lake Geneva on fine days: relaxed, family-friendly, unhurried. You pick up your pedalo near the quays, put on the life jackets (provided), and set off at your own pace for half an hour or an hour. You stop to look at the shore and the statue of Charlie Chaplin, take a dip from the pedalo when it's hot, then head back to relax on the quays or at the Place du Marché.

Before you go

• Recommended age: for everyone, from the youngest with an accompanying adult; life jackets provided.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually enough with young children.
• Booking and prices: rates and conditions to be confirmed on the official website; for a family, you generally turn up on site in the warm season.
• Stroller access: the quays of Vevey are flat and accessible; boarding from the jetty.
• Transport: Vevey CFF station is a few minutes' walk from the quays.
• What to bring: sunscreen, a cap, water, and a change of clothes (you often end up a little wet).
• Best season: from spring (mostly weekends) to autumn, in fine weather.

Parents' tips

• Aim for late afternoon: the light on the lake is beautiful and the heat eases.
• Put the life jackets on at the jetty and set a simple rule ("we stay near the shore").
• Bring a small towel: children often want to dip their feet, or even swim.
• Check hours and prices on the official website before you come, and have cash or a card ready depending on the operator.
• If you enjoyed it, keep the fun going another day with another fine ride on Lake Geneva.

Useful information

• Address: near the Place du Marché and the quays, 1800 Vevey.
• Operator: Vevey Nautic Center (rental near the quays).
• Official website: veveynautic-center.ch (up-to-date hours and prices).
• Opening hours: seasonal; to be confirmed on the official website before you go.
• Access: on foot from Vevey CFF station towards the quays; paid parking near the Place du Marché.

Why we recommend it

Because it's the quintessential Vevey summer outing: zero organisation, a modest budget, and the immediate pleasure of being on the water as a family, facing the Alps. The pedalo wins everyone over — the little ones love to "drive", the grown-ups unwind on the water — and it pairs perfectly with a swim or an ice cream on the quays.

In a nutshell

A pedalo ride on Lake Geneva along the quays of Vevey: the simplest and most refreshing summer outing for families on the Riviera.