Rocailles Beach in Coppet: swimming and games by Lake Geneva

A pebble beach and a large park by Lake Geneva

In Coppet, just below the historic village, the Plage des Rocailles stretches its pebble shore along Lake Geneva. This is not a fine sandy beach, but a true park by the water, with large lawns to lay out a towel, trees to shelter from the sun, and an unobstructed view of the lake and the Alps. Families come here to swim, picnic, and let the children run from one game to another. All for free, just a ten-minute walk from the train station. Enough to turn a simple afternoon into a little lakeside getaway.

What your children will discover

Children discover here a lake that feels like a mini seaside resort. They can splash at the edge, swim to the swimming raft anchored a bit further out, and then come back to dry off on the warm pebbles. The playground awaits them whenever they need to move differently, and the large park offers plenty of space for impromptu games. It’s an ideal place to learn to tame the lake's water, observe boats and birds, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a day outdoors.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is relaxed, typical of a village beach: families settled on the grass, swimmers diving from the pebbles, and the smell of barbecues wafting on sunny days. People play beach volleyball, pétanque, or ping-pong, settle at picnic tables, and the youngest alternate between the water and the playground. Grills are available for an impromptu barbecue, and the park's refreshment stand allows you to have a drink or snack without having to bring everything. You set down your things in the morning and leave at the end of the day, with tired and happy children.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old, and at any age thereafter; close supervision of the youngest by the water.
• Duration: from one hour to a whole day depending on your desire.
• Price: free access.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller/Accessibility for disabled persons: the park is flat, but the pebble beach is not wheelchair accessible; restrooms and parking are partially accessible.
• Transport: about 10 minutes on foot from the Coppet CFF train station; by car via Route Suisse, access to the park via Chemin des Bernodes (parking nearby).
• What to bring: water shoes (pebbles), swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hat, water, and picnic supplies.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, when the lake water is most pleasant.

Parents' tips

• Bring water shoes: the pebble shore is less gentle on little feet than sand.
• Arrive early on hot days to enjoy a shady spot under the park's trees.
• Keep young children close at hand: swimming is not supervised (to be confirmed on site).
• Slip a ball or pétanque balls into the bag: the park is perfect for it.
• Check the refreshment stand's opening hours before leaving: it closes out of season; bring water and a snack just in case.

Useful information

• Address: Route Suisse 35, 1296 Coppet (access to the park via Chemin des Bernodes).
• Official website: municipality of Coppet (coppet.ch); check the refreshment stand's hours and swimming conditions.
• Hours: beach and park are freely accessible; refreshment stand hours vary by season (to be confirmed).
• Access: ~10 min walk from the Coppet CFF train station; by car via Route Suisse, parking near the park.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Coppet.

Why we recommend it

Because we love lakeside beaches that combine swimming, a large park, and games for children without a bill at the end. The Plage des Rocailles ticks all these boxes, just a stone's throw from the charming village of Coppet and easily accessible by train. It’s the perfect place for a simple and successful summer day with family, on the shores of Lake Geneva.

In a nutshell

A free pebble beach by Lake Geneva, with a large park, playground, and swimming raft: the ideal family getaway in good weather in Coppet.