La Ramée Beach: the large free and family-friendly beach at Lake La Tène

A large free beach by Lake Neuchâtel

La Plage de La Ramée, in La Tène, is one of those places we cherish for sunny days. Located at the end of Lake Neuchâtel, in the Marin area, it features a vast sandy beach bordered by large lawns and a few trees that provide welcome shade. People come here to swim, picnic, let the kids run around, and do nothing but enjoy. The place is entirely public and free, making it a reliable choice when looking for a simple outing without reservations. Do not confuse it with the nearby La Tène beach: here, it is indeed La Ramée, quieter and family-oriented.

What your children will discover

The first instinct of children is often the large wooden playground, situated right next to the lawns. With shovel and bucket in hand, they then dive into the sand and the first swims, as the water gently slopes down. Older kids find plenty to expend their energy with the ping-pong table, the football field, and the trails that lead into the nearby forest, marked with educational panels about flora and the environment. It is a natural playground where one seamlessly transitions from building sandcastles to wandering among the trees.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

La Ramée embodies the neighborhood beach spirit by the lake: relaxed, family-friendly, without excessive crowds during the week. You spread your towel on the lawn, set up the picnic under the shelter or at the designated tables, and the afternoon passes between swims, ball games, and naps in the shade. The large shelter and trees provide refuge from the sun during the hot hours, and a shower is available to rinse off after swimming in the lake. The atmosphere remains peaceful, ideal for families with young children who appreciate being able to keep an eye on everyone.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, suitable up to teenagers thanks to sports fields and trails
• Duration: half a day to a full day
• Price: free
• Reservation: none, free access
• Accessibility: flat site, all-terrain stroller recommended for lawns and paths
• Transport: bus no. 101 from Neuchâtel towards Marin-Epagnier, stop "Les Indiennes"; by car, about ten blue zone parking spaces near the stop (often full in high season), with additional parking at Collège des Tertres on weekends and school holidays
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, picnic, ball, and ping-pong paddles
• Ideal season: from late spring to late summer, in good weather

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on weekends: the few blue zone parking spots fill up quickly when the weather is nice
• Prefer bus 101 to "Les Indiennes" to avoid the parking hassle
• Aim for a spot on the lawn in the shade of the trees or under the shelter during the hot hours
• Slip paddles and ping-pong balls into your bag: the table is on site, but not the equipment
• Remember sunscreen and plenty of water: the beach is very exposed in the height of summer

Useful information

• Address: Plage de La Ramée, Marin area, 2074 La Tène (Neuchâtel)
• Official site: La Tène municipality (beaches and picnic areas section) — check on-site for seasonal details
• Hours: free access during the day; transport and service hours to be confirmed in season
• Access: bus no. 101 stop "Les Indiennes"; limited blue zone parking, additional parking at Collège des Tertres

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Marin-Epagnier.

Why we recommend it

Because it is rare to find, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, a beach that is both so large, so well-equipped for families, and completely free. Between the sand, the playground, the gentle swimming, and the forest trails, La Ramée ticks all the boxes for a successful summer day, without spending a dime or making any reservations in advance.

In two words

A large free sandy beach by Lake Neuchâtel, with a playground, lawns, and swimming: the perfect family outing for a beautiful afternoon in La Tène.