Vidy Beach: the large free beach of Lausanne by Lake Geneva

A lakeside spot that has everything for a successful day

It's hard to be more generous in Lausanne: the Plage de Vidy stretches several hundred meters along the shores of Lake Geneva, in the heart of Louis Bourget Park. People come here for swimming, but also to spread out on the vast lawns, in the shade of large oaks, between lake and forest. It's one of those places where you can spend the entire day without getting bored: a swim, a picnic, a game of ball, then an ice cream while watching the sailboats. And good news for the family budget: access is free. Just a few minutes from the center, it's the quintessential easy summer outing for families from Lausanne and the surrounding region.

What your children will discover

Vidy is primarily a large outdoor playground by the water. Children find a sandy beach to splash around and build castles, a swimming area marked by buoys, and vast lawns to run and roll in the grass. A playground is set up for the little ones, while the older kids quickly eye the volleyball and basketball courts or the nearby skatepark. Between swims, you can observe the ducks, swans, and CGN boats gliding across the lake. It's an ideal spot to enjoy the joys of water in a reassuring and family-friendly setting.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a large, popular, and relaxed park, especially in summer: families settled on blankets, teens playing beach volleyball, joggers and cyclists along the promenade. You alternate between swimming, napping in the shade, playing ball, and picnicking on the grass. Fixed barbecues are provided for grilling by the water, and it's possible to rent a pedal boat or a paddleboard to venture onto the lake (prices to be confirmed on site). As it's a very busy place on nice days, it's best to arrive early on weekends to find a quiet shady spot.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (and all ages in family).
• Duration: from 2 hours to a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach. Rentals (pedal boat, paddleboard) and light refreshments to be confirmed on site.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller/PMR accessibility: flat site accessible by stroller; Seatrac system for launching people with reduced mobility and adapted changing rooms (subject to availability, to be confirmed on site).
• Transport: metro M1 stop Bourdonnette then a short walk; bus tl line 2 (Maladière-lac stop) or line 24 (Parc Bourget / Vidy Port stop). Parking spaces around Louis Bourget Park (availability varies in summer).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, water, picnic, and something to sit on. A pair of water sandals may be useful.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, for swimming.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on weekends and hot days: shaded spots under the oaks fill up quickly.
• Identify your swimming area and set clear boundaries for the children; swimming should be under your supervision.
• Enjoy the large lawns to set up your base camp away from the water with the little ones, then gradually make your way to the shore.
• Plan the picnic: it's the simplest and most economical option, and the fixed barbecues allow for grilling on-site.
• Combine the beach with a bike or scooter ride along the Vidy promenade, which is very pleasant for families.

Useful information

• Address: Parc Louis Bourget, Plage de Vidy, 1006 Lausanne (Vaud).
• Official site: Lausanne Tourism – Plage de Vidy.
• Hours: free access to the park and beach; rental and refreshment stand hours to be confirmed on site.
• Access: metro M1 (Bourdonnette stop), bus tl 2 (Maladière-lac) or 24 (Parc Bourget / Vidy Port); parking around Louis Bourget Park.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it's the simplest and most complete summer outing in Lausanne: free, easily accessible, with space for everyone. Between swimming, lawns, the playground, and sports fields, children never get bored, and parents appreciate being able to do everything in one place without breaking the bank. It's a family classic by Lake Geneva, and it's easy to see why.

In two words

The largest free beach on Lake Geneva in Lausanne, ideal for a family day of swimming, picnicking, and playing by the water.