Plage de la Voile d'Or: the quiet corner of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, on the Vidy side

A quieter corner of Lake Geneva, between lawn and the Voile d'Or restaurant

In Lausanne, the Voile d'Or Beach marks the western end of the large swimming area of Bellerive, right next to the restaurant that gave it its name and just a few steps from the Vidy Theatre. It is the opening on the west side that allows free access to the lakeshore, outside of the neighboring paid swimming pool. One can enjoy a beautiful lawn that gently slopes down to the water, a supervised beach along Lake Geneva, and an unobstructed view of the lake and the mountains. More discreet than the very busy nearby Vidy beach, the Voile d'Or attracts families looking for a green spot by the water, just a stone's throw from downtown Lausanne, without breaking the bank.

What your children will discover

Here, children first find a large carpet of grass to run, play ball, and spread out the picnic blanket, then a descent to the water to splash around and swim. The shore alternates between lawn and swimming area along the lake: one can enter Lake Geneva for a few strokes, observe the sailboats, ducks, and CGN boats gliding offshore. Between swims, there is always something to do: skipping stones, building improvised castles by the water, or simply napping in the shade. It is an ideal place to enjoy the joys of the lake in a reassuring and family-friendly setting, without the crowd of large beaches.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a relaxed and fairly peaceful lakeside: families settled on the grass, swimmers doing a few laps, walkers along the Vidy shore. One alternates between swimming, sunbathing on the lawn, playing ball, and picnicking by the water. The nearby Voile d'Or restaurant allows for a drink or a bite to eat without having to organize all the supplies (prices and hours to be confirmed on site). Like the entire Bellerive area, the Voile d'Or fills up during hot weather: it’s best to arrive early on weekends to find a shady spot and set up camp peacefully.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (and all ages in family).
• Duration: from 2 hours to half a day or a full day.
• Price: free access to the beach. Only the neighboring Bellerive pool is paid; dining at the Voile d'Or restaurant to be confirmed on site.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller/Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: flat lakeside area generally accessible by stroller; facilities (changing rooms, water access) to be confirmed on site.
• Transport: access via the Vidy/Bellerive area by tl bus (lines serving Bellerive/Vidy, stops to be confirmed); Bellerive parking nearby (paid, variable availability in summer).
• What to bring: swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, water, picnic, and something to sit on. A pair of water sandals may be useful in pebbly areas.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, for swimming.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on weekends and hot days: shaded spots near the shore fill up quickly.
• Identify your swimming area and set clear boundaries for the children; swimming should always be under your supervision.
• Set up camp on the grass with the little ones, then gradually head to the water.
• Plan for a picnic, the simplest and most economical option, and save the Voile d'Or restaurant for ice cream or drinks.
• If the Voile d'Or is too crowded, the large nearby Vidy beach offers an alternative with more space and play areas.

Useful information

• Address: Voile d'Or Beach, Vidy/Bellerive area, 1007 Lausanne (Vaud).
• Official site: City of Lausanne – Swimming Areas.
• Hours: free access to the beach; dining hours to be confirmed on site.
• Access: Vidy/Bellerive area served by tl buses (stops to be confirmed); Bellerive parking nearby.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a human-sized corner of Lake Geneva, free and easy to access, perfect when looking for a quieter lakeside than the crowded large beaches. The lawn, swimming, and immediate proximity to downtown Lausanne make it a simple and relaxing summer outing, where both young and old can enjoy without breaking the bank. And if the desire for space arises, all of Vidy’s offerings are just a stone's throw away.

In a nutshell

A free and more peaceful swimming spot by Lake Geneva in Lausanne, on the Vidy side, ideal for a family day between lawn, picnic, and splashing around.