Pelican Beach in Saint-Sulpice: swimming and park by Lake Geneva

A Quiet Corner of Lake Geneva Just Steps from Lausanne

The Pélican beach is one of those little lakeside spots that families in the area are happy to keep to themselves. Nestled by Lake Geneva in Saint-Sulpice, just west of Lausanne, it features a small strip of fine gravel and a large grassy area dotted with trees that provide shade when the sun is blazing. The atmosphere is calm, almost familial: you spread out your towel, keep an eye on the kids splashing around, and take your time. The setting is perfect for a quick swim after school or a long picnic afternoon by the water. And with a view of the lake and the mountains across, you quickly forget that you are just minutes from downtown.

What Your Children Will Discover

Your children will first appreciate the gentle entry into the water from the small gravel beach: no mud, no muck, just Lake Geneva opening up before them. The large grassy area quickly becomes a natural playground for running, playing ball, or resting in the shade between swims. It’s a place where you can spend the whole day without getting bored, with a mix of swimming, lawn, and shaded spots that appeal to both little ones and older kids.

What to Do There and the Atmosphere on Site

Here, there are no large facilities or crowds: the Pélican beach remains a modest, rather confidential site, which is precisely what makes it charming. People come to swim, sunbathe on the lawn, read, or grab a bite at the snack bar. Outdoor showers allow you to rinse off after the lake. The vibe is that of a neighborhood beach where you quickly feel at home, ideal for a hassle-free outing. Good to know: grills and fires are prohibited throughout the park, so plan for a cold picnic or enjoy the snack bar.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from 2 years old, under constant supervision at the water's edge (unsupervised swimming).
• Duration: from an hour of swimming to a full day including a picnic.
• Price: free access. Snack bar prices to be confirmed on site.
• Reservation: none.
• Stroller Accessibility: flat lawn and close to the road, easy access; accessibility for people with reduced mobility to be confirmed.
• Transport: bus to the Saint-Sulpice, Pâqueret stop; CGN landing stage in Saint-Sulpice nearby; parking nearby (limited spaces in high season).
• What to Bring: water shoes (gravel), sunscreen, hats, cold picnic, and a home-made shade (parasol) in addition to the trees.
• Ideal Season: the beautiful season, from late spring to late summer, in warm weather.

Parents' Tips

• Arrive early on nice days: the site is small and parking is limited.
• Water shoes prevent little injuries on the gravel at the lake's entrance.
• Settle under the trees to keep a shady spot during the hottest hours.
• The nearest public restrooms are a few hundred meters away: keep this in mind with young children.
• Prefer the bus or CGN boat on summer weekends to avoid the parking headache.

Useful Information

• Address: Av. du Léman 54, 1025 Saint-Sulpice (VD).
• Official Website: Commune de Saint-Sulpice
• Hours: beach accessible during the day in the beautiful season (park access generally from 7 AM to 10 PM); precise hours to be confirmed on the official site.
• Access: bus stop Saint-Sulpice, Pâqueret; CGN landing stage; parking nearby; pleasant to walk or bike along the lakeside path from Ouchy.

Looking for more outings? Check out all our activities in Saint-Sulpice.

Why We Recommend It

We love the Pélican beach for its simplicity and tranquility: free access, a gentle entry into the water, a shaded lawn to relax, and a snack bar so you don’t have to carry everything. It’s the kind of place you pull out for an impromptu swim during the week or a quiet afternoon with family, without a complicated budget or organization.

In Two Words

A small gravel beach and a large shaded lawn by Lake Geneva, with free access: the Pélican beach is a sure bet for a family swimming outing in Saint-Sulpice.