Pointe-à-la-Bise Beach in Collonge-Bellerive: nature and swimming in Lake Geneva

A piece of wild shore just steps from Geneva

In Collonge-Bellerive, on the left bank of Lake Geneva, the beach of Pointe-à-la-Bise features a beautiful lawn dotted with weeping willows by the water's edge. Here, you are in one of the few natural shores remaining on the Petit Lac, right next to the Pointe-à-la-Bise reserve. The setting is gentle, shaded in places, with the lake opening up before you and, on certain days, the cool breeze that gave the place its name. It's an easy stop from Geneva for a peaceful day with family, between swimming and nature walks.

What your children will discover

Children have plenty of space to run on the large lawn, spread a towel in the shade of a willow, and gently approach the water. Nearby, the Pointe-à-la-Bise nature reserve is home to one of the last reed beds in the canton: with a little patience, you can spot water birds from the observation tower and the educational trail of the Pro Natura Nature Center. It's an opportunity to learn to recognize a few species and understand why this corner of the lake is so precious.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

People come here for a relaxed day: swimming, picnicking on the grass or at the designated tables, playing pétanque, and lounging in the shade. The atmosphere is family-friendly and calm, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban beaches. Between swims, it's easy to combine a visit to the nearby Nature Center (open on certain days) to extend the outing with some discovery. Be sure to check the water quality of the day: the proximity of the reserve and its birds can lead to temporary pollution.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, under parental supervision at the water's edge.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: access to the beach to be confirmed (Geneva's public beaches are generally free).
• Reservation: none for the beach. The nearby Nature Center offers activities by registration.
• Stroller / PRM accessibility: site described as accessible, with facilities for people with reduced mobility; lawn and gravel.
• Transport: accessible by bus; parking on site.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, picnic supplies, and binoculars for bird watching.
• Ideal season: summer, for swimming. The beach is open from April 1 to October 15, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on summer days to enjoy the shady spots under the willows.
• Check the water quality of the day before swimming (info may vary near the reserve).
• Keep young children within reach: supervision of swimmers to be confirmed on site.
• Combine the beach with a visit to the Nature Center for a complete nature outing.
• Respect the calm of the reserve: observe the birds without disturbing them, and dogs are prohibited.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin de la Bise 19, 1222 Vésenaz (Collonge-Bellerive, Geneva).
• Official site: municipality of Collonge-Bellerive (collonge-bellerive.ch) and ge.ch for Geneva beaches.
• Hours: open from April 1 to October 15, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Access: by bus; parking on site. Showers, restrooms, snack bar, picnic tables, pétanque, and shaded areas on site.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Collonge-Bellerive.

Why we recommend it

Because it is one of the most natural beaches in the canton of Geneva: a large lawn, willows, a snack bar, and a real bird reserve within walking distance. It combines peaceful swimming with the discovery of local wildlife, without straying far from the city. Ideal for a simple and refreshing summer day with family.

In two words

A grassy beach by Lake Geneva, in Collonge-Bellerive, with a snack bar, lawn, and nature reserve right next door: swimming and birds for a beautiful summer day with family.