Petite plage de Vallamand: the quiet swimming spot on Lake Morat, with the family

A peaceful corner of the lake in Vallamand, on the Vaud shore of Lake Morat

In Vallamand, in the municipality of Vully-les-Lacs, the Petite plage lives up to its name: it is a human-scale swimming spot, set on the western shore of Lake Morat. Here there is no big seaside resort, but a lawn at the water's edge, the lapping of the lake and the hills of the Vully as a backdrop. The beach is public and access is free, which makes it an easy destination for a family afternoon with nothing to organise. People come here to dip their feet, spread a towel on the grass and enjoy a more intimate setting than the big neighbouring beaches. It is the perfect place when you are after calm rather than crowds, just steps from the small harbour of Vallamand.

What your children will discover

Here children discover a lake that lets itself be tamed very gently. On this shore of Lake Morat, the water stays shallow near the edge, which lets the little ones paddle while keeping their footing and reassures parents keeping a close watch. The older ones venture out a little to swim or watch the boats passing offshore. Between swims, there is plenty to do: watching the ducks, gathering pebbles, looking for little fish near the shore or simply running on the lawn. The neighbouring small harbour of Vallamand adds its charm, with the moored boats and the comings and goings on the lake.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

An afternoon at the Petite plage de Vallamand is a very simple programme: swimming, a break on the grass, a picnic and back into the water. The atmosphere is quiet and easy-going, ideal for families who want to unwind without the bustle of the very busy beaches. You lay down your blanket, get out the snack and let the children alternate between the water and the lawn. It is also a lovely starting point for a walk along the lake or a stop at the small harbour of Vallamand. For the exact facilities on site (toilets, refreshment kiosk, showers), it is best to enquire before setting off, as the layout of this kind of small beach remains deliberately simple.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 and any age as a family; close supervision of the little ones near the water.
• Duration: from two hours to half a day.
• Price: free access to the beach.
• Booking: not necessary, the beach has open access.
• Stroller / wheelchair accessibility: grassy shore, broadly flat ground; precise practicability to be confirmed on site.
• Transport: access by car via Avenches or Mur, with parking nearby (arrangements to be confirmed); by public transport, check the regional buses and CFF connections.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, water and a picnic.
• Best season: summer, from the fine days of May-June through to September.

Tips from parents

• Choose this beach precisely for its calm: it is the quiet alternative to the big Plage de Salavaux nearby.
• Keep a constant eye on the little ones near the water: there is not necessarily any supervision at this kind of small beach.
• Bring water shoes, handy if there are pebbles on the shore.
• Take water and a snack: the on-site services are limited, so it is best to be self-sufficient.
• Aim for the morning or late afternoon in the full heat to enjoy the lake at the gentlest hours.

Useful information

• Address: Vallamand area, 1787 Mur, Vully-les-Lacs (canton of Vaud).
• Official website: enquire with the municipality of Vully-les-Lacs and the tourist office for the Lake Morat region for up-to-date information.
• Opening times: beach with open access all day in season.
• Access: by car via Avenches or Mur, parking nearby (to be confirmed); by public transport, check the regional buses and CFF connections.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in Vully-les-Lacs.

Why we recommend it

Because it is the quiet little swimming spot you like to keep up your sleeve: free entry, a gently sloping shore reassuring for children, grass for the picnic and that peaceful charm of Lake Morat on the Vaud side. When you are after a simple nature outing, without crowds and without a budget, the Petite plage de Vallamand fits the bill perfectly.

In a nutshell

A public, free, peaceful and family-friendly swimming spot on the Vaud shore of Lake Morat in Vully-les-Lacs: ideal for a nature afternoon far from the crowds.