Petit-Cortaillod Beach: family swimming by Lake Neuchâtel

A large gently sloping beach by Lake Neuchâtel

In Cortaillod, right next to the port of Petit-Cortaillod, this public beach stretches along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in a gentle setting. There is a vast pebble beach extended by a beautiful shaded lawn, perfect for laying out a towel and keeping an eye on the kids. The slope is gentle, the water shallow near the shore: it's one of those beaches that you can easily return to with young children. Entry is free, making it a simple summer outing. In the distance, you can see the sailboats from the port and the landing stage, and the shore extends towards the discreet Pointe du Grain.

What your children will discover

Your children will first get accustomed to the lake water on the gentle pebble slope, the ideal spot for their first swims and splash games. Between dips, they will find a playground to let off steam, and older kids can follow up with a game of ping-pong or pétanque. The large lawn provides space for a ball, a frisbee, or a picnic in the shade. And since the port is right next door, it's a great opportunity to observe the boats and watch for the arrival of the landing stage.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is family-friendly and calm, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban beaches. You settle on the lawn, alternating swimming, games, and lounging, and enjoy the snack bar for an ice cream or a drink without having to pack up. The showers and toilets on site make logistics easier with little ones, and the shaded areas allow you to stay all day without overheating. Between the playground, ping-pong, and pétanque, everyone finds something to do between swims.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, ideal for young children thanks to the gentle slope (parental supervision essential).
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free entry.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Accessibility for strollers/PRM: access to the lake shore from the port; specific configuration to be confirmed on site.
• Transport: port of Petit-Cortaillod, 2016 Cortaillod; access by public transport (check CFF schedules) and by the navigation landing stage. Parking to be confirmed.
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water shoes (pebble beach), picnic.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Bring water shoes: the beach is pebbly, more comfortable for little feet.
• Settle down early on the shaded lawn on hot days, the shady spots are popular.
• Always keep an eye on the children in the water: swimming is not supervised (to be confirmed on site).
• Enjoy the playground and ping-pong to alternate with swimming and extend the afternoon.
• Combine the outing with a walk to the nearby Pointe du Grain to prolong the day.

Useful information

• Address: Port du Petit-Cortaillod, 2016 Cortaillod (Neuchâtel).
• Official site: tourist information on j3l.ch (Jura & Trois-Lacs) and from the municipality of Cortaillod.
• Hours: free access; snack bar open in season (hours to be confirmed on site).
• Access: public transport to Petit-Cortaillod (CFF schedules) and navigation landing stage on the lake.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it ticks all the boxes of a good family beach: free, gently sloping, with a playground, a snack bar, and shade, all by Lake Neuchâtel. It's the kind of simple place where you lay down your towel and the day flows effortlessly between swimming, games, and snacks.

In a nutshell

A large public and free beach by Lake Neuchâtel, with a gentle slope and a playground: the ideal spot for a family swim in Cortaillod.