Yverdon-les-Bains Beach

A city beach at the end of Lake Neuchâtel

At the foot of the old town of Yverdon-les-Bains, the beach stretches at the end of Lake Neuchâtel, where the water comes to kiss a large lawn and a strip of sand. People come on foot from the train station, towel under their arm, for a simple day by the water. The place is vast, open, without fences or ticket offices. It’s one of those spots where you set down your things in the morning and leave in the evening, a little salty, a little tired, with smiles filling the car.

What your children will discover

Your children will first love the gently sloping water: you can walk for a long time before the water reaches your knees, which reassures the little ones and their parents. There is sand for digging and building, a large lawn for running, and a playground that offers more than just buckets and shovels. The older kids quickly spot the beach volleyball courts and the soccer field. And then there’s the spectacle of the lake: sailboats, pedal boats, paddles gliding in the distance, seagulls, and sometimes a swan passing very close.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a local beach, family-friendly and relaxed. You set up your camp on the lawn, alternating between swimming, building sandcastles, and having snacks in the shade. For equipped families, an electric BBQ grill is available for use on-site. On the culinary side, kiosks open daily during the summer season for ice creams and cold drinks, and a beach restaurant with a terrace welcomes those who want to take a break. Sports enthusiasts head to the Y-Plage Yacht Club to rent a pedal boat, a stand-up paddle, a kayak, or a windsurfing board.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages, ideal from 0 to 16 years
• Duration: half a day to a full day
• Price: free access to the beach; rental of pedal boats and paddles is paid at Y-Plage
• Stroller accessibility: large flat lawn, easy access with a stroller
• Transport: a 15-minute walk from the CFF train station and the city center of Yverdon
• What to bring: sunscreen, hat, water, armbands for the little ones, something to grill if you use the BBQ
• Ideal season: in summer, on sunny days

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot days to find a shady spot on the lawn.
• Swimming is not supervised: keep children within reach, even where the water is shallow.
• Bring water shoes, as the bottom can be uneven in places.
• A large parking lot is located right next to the beach if you come by car.
• For a full day, scout out the kiosks and the restaurant in advance to lighten the picnic load.

Useful information

• Address: 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains (beach area, by Lake Neuchâtel)
• Official website: yverdonlesbainsregion.ch and y-plage.ch
• Hours: beach access is free; kiosks, restaurant, and rentals open during the summer season (check the official site for details)
• Access: a 15-minute walk from the CFF train station in Yverdon-les-Bains; large parking lot next to the beach

Why we recommend it

It’s the ultimate easy summer outing: free, accessible on foot from the train station, with gently sloping water perfect for young children and activities to keep older ones occupied. We appreciate being able to do everything on-site, from swimming to pedal boating, without complicated planning. Ideal for an impromptu day as soon as the weather is nice.

In two words

A large free beach at the end of Lake Neuchâtel, with sand, lawn, playground, and pedal boats: the simple swimming plan for families in Yverdon-les-Bains.