Salavaux Beach: the large sandy beach of Lake Murten, with family

A Day at the Beach by Lake Murten in Salavaux

In Salavaux, on the Vaud shore of Lake Murten, stretches one of the largest natural beaches in French-speaking Switzerland. The setting is simple and generous: fine sand, vast lawns, and behind, a pine forest that provides a bit of shade during the hot hours. The beach is public and free to access, making it an easy meeting point for families from Vully-les-Lacs and beyond. People come here for swimming, but also to lay out a blanket, bring a picnic, and let the children run between the water and the grass. The atmosphere remains relaxed, more natural than seaside, with Vully in the background and the warm lake water at your feet.

What Your Children Will Discover

Children discover here a lake that is gently rewarding: the beach slopes very gradually, allowing one to walk far while still keeping their feet on the ground. This is reassuring for the little ones, who splash near the shore, and fun for the older ones, who venture a bit further to swim. The sand is perfect for building castles and digging games, and the lawns provide space for balls and first barefoot steps. Depending on the season, playgrounds and children's activities complement the outing. It's also an opportunity to watch the ducks, observe boats in the distance, and enjoy a large open space where one can breathe.

What to Do and the Atmosphere on Site

A day in Salavaux follows a simple beach rhythm: swimming, a break in the shade, a picnic, and back into the water. Free barbecue spots allow for an impromptu family barbecue, and showers are available for rinsing off after swimming. On the culinary side, there are dining options on-site, including the restaurant Chez Rosemarie, convenient when you forget the ice cream in your bag. For water sports enthusiasts, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle rentals are offered in summer (check for hours and availability on-site). The overall spirit remains family-friendly and good-natured, without the hustle of a seaside resort.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from 2 years old, and all ages in family; close supervision of the little ones near the water.
• Duration: half a day to a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach; dining and equipment rentals are paid.
• Reservation: not necessary for the beach; for canoe/kayak/paddle rentals, it's better to reserve (to be confirmed on-site).
• Stroller / Accessibility for People with Reduced Mobility: sandy and grassy terrain, flat; passable but an all-terrain stroller is more comfortable on the sand.
• Transport: parking on-site along the site (free or fee to be confirmed); check CFF/regional bus connections via Avenches or Murten.
• What to Bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hats, water, and something to picnic or grill.
• Ideal Season: summer, from beautiful days in May-June until September.

Parent Tips

• Arrive early on heatwave weekends: the beach is large, but shaded spots under the pines fill up quickly.
• Settle near the pine forest to alternate between sun and shade with young children.
• Take advantage of the very gentle slope to reassure little swimmers, while keeping a constant eye on them.
• Bring water shoes: practical for walking far into the lake without worry.
• In case of heat, check the water quality of the lake, which is sometimes monitored in summer (to be confirmed with the municipality).

Useful Information

• Address: Salavaux Plage, 1585 Vully-les-Lacs (canton of Vaud).
• Official Site: check with the municipality of Vully-les-Lacs and the tourist office of the Lake Murten region for up-to-date information.
• Hours: beach is open access; dining and rentals according to the season (to be confirmed on-site).
• Access: by car via Avenches/Murten with parking along the site; by public transport, check regional buses and CFF connections.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Vully-les-Lacs.

Why We Recommend It

Because it ticks almost all the boxes for a successful family beach day: free entry, plenty of sand and grass, gentle sloping swimming reassuring for children, shade from the pines, and dining options on-site. Just a stone's throw from Avenches and Murten, Salavaux Beach offers a true taste of vacation by the lake, without having to go far.

In Two Words

The large public and free beach of Lake Murten, in Vully-les-Lacs: sand, shallow water, and shaded spots for a simple family day out.