Pont Beach: swimming at altitude at Lake Joux

A mountain beach at the end of Lake Joux

At the northern end of Lake Joux, in the bay of Pont, the Plage du Pont unfolds a wide strip of pebbles and grass facing the water. Here we are in the heart of the Vallée de Joux, at over 1000 meters altitude, in an open and bright Jurassic setting. The village of Pont, which belongs to the municipality of L'Abbaye, is right there: shops, terraces, and a train station just steps away. It is a public and free beach, perfect for a simple family day, where one alternates between swimming, picnicking, and strolling along the shore.

What your children will discover

Children love this beach because it combines water, space, and freedom. They can splash at the edge of the lake, skip stones, observe the boats and pedalos gliding on the water, and enjoy the playground set up nearby. The water of Lake Joux warms up in summer and offers a refreshing swim, in a setting of forests and pastures typical of the Jura. It is also an opportunity to introduce them to a real mountain lake, very different from the beaches of Lake Geneva.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, the atmosphere is calm and family-friendly, far from the hustle and bustle of the large beaches along Lake Geneva. One spreads their towel on the grass, swims, picnics, and the more active rent paddleboards, kayaks, sailing boats, or pedalos at the village's nautical base. Dogs are welcome, which is not the case everywhere. Between swims, one can grab a drink at the nearby tea room or stroll through the shops in the village of Pont. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend half a day, or even the whole day, without getting bored.

Before you go

• Recommended age: for everyone, from a young age; close supervision for little ones at the water's edge
• Duration: half a day to a full day
• Price: free (public beach)
• Reservation: none for the beach; for water rentals, inquire on site
• Stroller accessibility: terrain combining pebbles and grass, access from the village; walkable surroundings, beach partly uneven
• Transport: CFF train station of Pont (Vallorbe–Le Brassus line) a few minutes' walk; parking in the village; landing stage nearby in summer
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, water shoes (for pebbles), picnic, something to cover up as it can get cool at altitude
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the water has warmed up

Parents' tips

• Bring water shoes: the beach is partly made up of pebbles, more comfortable for children's feet.
• Even in the middle of summer, bring a sweater or windbreaker: at 1000 meters, the air cools down quickly at the end of the day.
• Settle on the grassy areas for picnics and the little ones' naps.
• Take advantage of the village's proximity for restrooms, the tea room, and possible refreshments.
• Keep a close eye on young children: as with any beach, swimming is not supervised.

Useful information

• Address: Baie du Pont, 1342 Le Pont (municipality of L'Abbaye), canton of Vaud
• Official site: Vallée de Joux Tourisme — myvalleedejoux.ch
• Hours: free access; hours and rates for water rentals to be confirmed on site or with the tourist office
• Access: CFF train station of Pont a few minutes' walk; parking in the village; regional bus line and landing stage on the lake in season

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in L'Abbaye.

Why we recommend it

We love the Plage du Pont for its simple and refreshing aspect: a real mountain beach, free, accessible by train, where you can breathe in the fresh air of the Jura while enjoying the water. It’s the perfect place for a family day without breaking the bank, which offers a change from the classic beaches of Lake Geneva and introduces children to an altitude lake in a preserved setting.

In two words

A public and free beach by Lake Joux, at over 1000 meters altitude: swimming, games, and fresh Jura air for the whole family.