Activity catalogue

A whole island just for the day, how does that sound? From La Neuveville, a boat drops you on the Île Saint-Pierre, in the middle of Lake Biel: quiet beaches, picnic areas, a former priory and shaded paths. On Saturdays, children travel free.

Looking for a swim that really cools you down? At over 1,000 metres of altitude, Rocheray Beach unrolls its lawn on the shore of Lake Joux, with a table and a grill spot. The neighbouring watersports base rounds off the day.

How do you make a lake? In 1948, an 83-metre concrete wall blocked the Sarine and flooded a whole valley: Lake Gruyère was born. The Rossens dam is discovered from its surroundings, with an easy 2.3-kilometre walk along the water.

Fancy a short walk that leaves a long memory? Between the Rossens dam and Pont-la-Ville, a 105-metre metal footbridge runs ten metres above Lake Gruyère. Free, spectacular, and walked as a loop in less than an hour with the children.

What if the whole family boarded the same boat, with no licence and no experience? In Corbières, Aventure Gruyère rents licence-free boats, kayaks from CHF 15 and paddleboards, including giant models. There are even treasure hunts on the water.

Fancy seeing Lake Gruyère from the water rather than from the beach? In La Roche, Kayak Aventure rents kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards on the lakeside, with a half-price rate for 8 to 16 year olds. Guided outings lead all the way to the Île d'Ogoz.

Do your children dream of an island with a real castle? In the middle of Lake Gruyère, the Île d'Ogoz keeps two towers from the 13th century and a small white chapel. You reach it by solar-powered boat from the Port du Bry, and on a few days each year, on foot.

Looking for the beach on Lake Gruyère that has everything? It is La Pointe, in Morlon, which everyone calls Morlon Beach: toilets, outdoor showers, fire pits, beach volleyball and paddle rental, with the Île d'Ogoz and the Prealps as scenery. Free access.

What if the swim had to be earned at the end of a path? At Botterens, right at the southern end of Lake Gruyère, the shore is reached on foot from the lakeside trail, level with Villarbeney. A natural, free and discreet spot for a family swim far from the big beaches.

Fancy a beach where you can still hear the birds? The one at La Roche is among the least busy on Lake Gruyère: generous vegetation, calm water and a refreshment stand in summer. It is also from this shore that kayak and paddle outings set off.

Escaping the crowded beaches? The one at Pont-la-Ville is smaller and more intimate, with clear water and welcoming banks on the shore of Lake Gruyère. A quiet corner with open access, two steps from the Golf de la Gruyère and the Rossens dam footbridge.

Fancy a beach where you can spread out your towels without bumping into anyone? At Gumefens, the lawn unrolls nearly 2,000 m2 on the shore of Lake Gruyère, with the Île d'Ogoz and its medieval ruins as a backdrop. Entirely free, with a large car park right beside it, along the Route du Marais.