Rocheray Beach: swimming at altitude on Lake Joux

A mountain beach on the shore of Lake Joux

Lake Joux is not a lake like the others: perched at over a thousand metres in the Vaud Jura, it is the largest body of water at that altitude in Switzerland. Its best known beach, Rocheray, occupies the south-western shore, just below the Lake Joux campsite. It is a grass beach rather than a sandy one, with tables and spots laid out for barbecues, and that particular light of high places. The water stays cooler than in the lowland lakes, which is exactly the point on scorching days: you go in shrieking, you come out invigorated, and the children go straight back.

What your children will discover

They discover a mountain lake, framed by the wooded ridges of the Jura, with clear water and an open horizon. On the shore, the large lawn leaves room for ball games and races. By the water, the Rocheray watersports base offers paddleboards, kayaks and pedalos to rent, as well as accompanied outings: enough to turn a beach day into a small adventure. The greediest quickly spot the stand selling crêpes, ice creams and drinks.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You spread out the blanket, you swim, you light the grill, you go off paddling. The atmosphere is that of a valley beach: families from the region, campers from the neighbouring site, sporty types who come for the wind. Lake Joux is indeed known for its sailing conditions, and you often see sails passing further out. A landing stage is a couple of steps away, which lets you combine the beach with a boat crossing on the lake.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages, with close supervision for non-swimmers
• Duration: half a day or a full day
• Price: beach with open access; water rentals and light refreshments charged
• Pushchair accessibility: flat lawn, access from the campsite area
• Transport: train to Le Sentier then local access, or by car through the Vallée de Joux
• What to bring: a jumper or a windproof jacket, even in summer, the altitude soon makes itself felt
• Best season: July and August, when the lake water reaches its best temperatures

Tips from parents

• Bring one extra layer more than usual: at 1,000 metres, the wind turns and the evenings cool quickly.
• The water is colder than in the lowlands: bring a wetsuit or a rash vest for children who feel the cold and want to stay in for a long time.
• Book paddle or kayak rentals on fine weekends, the base is popular.
• The neighbouring campsite lets you extend the outing into a weekend, with packages including a night and barbecues.
• Keep children in sight: as on the other beaches on the lake, swimming is not supervised.

Useful information

• Address: Le Rocheray, 1347 Le Sentier (municipality of Le Chenit)
• Official website: https://www.myvalleedejoux.ch/
• Opening hours: beach with open access; watersports base and refreshments during the summer season
• Access (transport): train to Le Sentier then local access; by car through the Vallée de Joux; Rocheray landing stage nearby

Why we recommend it

Because it is the most complete beach on Lake Joux: grass, barbecues, a watersports base and a landing stage all in the same place. And because a swim at a thousand metres of altitude, on a scorching day, beats every fan in the world.

In a nutshell

The big beach on Lake Joux, at Rocheray: lawn, barbecues, paddle and kayak rentals, at over 1,000 metres of altitude.