Jeunes-Rives Beach in Neuchâtel: the city's renovated beach

The city beach, in the heart of Neuchâtel

The Jeunes-Rives beach is the great breath of fresh air for the people of Neuchâtel, located directly between the historic center and the lake. Over the course of its redevelopment, this vast waterfront park has become a true urban beach, designed for families: wide green and shaded lawns, redesigned access to the water, and a seaside spirit right in the city. People come here for swimming, of course, but also to picnic, play, or simply enjoy the view of the lake and the Alps. The advantage in Neuchâtel is that you can reach the beach on foot in just a few minutes from the train station or the center, without even taking the car.

What your children will discover

To the west, a family-friendly beach gently slopes down towards the water: the incline is gentle, ideal for the first dips of the little ones. Large wooden piers extend out over the lake and create small pebble coves where one can splash around safely. The older kids and experienced swimmers tend to head east, where the slope is steeper. All around, the lawn provides an open-air playground, and the lake water does the rest.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood beach, relaxed and friendly. People spread their towels on the grass, alternating between swimming, games, and snacks, while enjoying the shade of the trees during the hot hours. Children alternate between the playground, the piers, and building pebble castles, while parents keep an eye on them from the lawn. For some activity, beach volleyball and pétanque courts are available, and grills allow for an impromptu meal on site. All this in a large, calm green space, right in the city center.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old (gentle slope on the west side for the little ones, always under supervision).
• Duration: from a one-hour break to a whole day.
• Price: free access for all.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller/PRM accessibility: flat and accessible site; access ramp to the water and adapted toilets for people with reduced mobility.
• Transport: just a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station and the center; public transport less than 100 m away. Limited parking in the city, prefer the train or bus.
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, and a snack; water shoes are useful for the pebble areas.
• Ideal season: summer, in good weather, for swimming.

Parents' tips

• Settle on the west side with the little ones: the gentle slope and the steps provide reassurance for the first swims.
• Aim for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the large crowds and full sun.
• Locate the playground and changing rooms upon arrival to orient yourself easily.
• Bring water shoes: some entries into the lake are on pebbles.
• Come on foot or by public transport: parking is limited in the city center.

Useful information

• Address: Jeunes-Rives, 2000 Neuchâtel.
• Official site: https://www.neuchatelville.ch (Jeunes-Rives Park section).
• Hours: beach with free access; changing rooms, showers, and toilets closed in winter, reopening in spring. Check the opening period of the facilities on the official site.
• Access: just a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station in Neuchâtel and the center; public transport less than 100 m away.

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

Why we recommend it

Because it is rare to find a real family beach, free and well-equipped, just steps from a train station. With the gentle slope for the little ones, the piers, the playground, and the large lawns, Jeunes-Rives ticks all the boxes for a successful day by the water, without complicated logistics.

In two words

The urban beach of Neuchâtel, redeveloped and free: gentle slope, piers, and large green spaces for a lovely family day by the lake.