Jeûne genevois and Jeûne fédéral 2026: what to do as a family during the long September weekends?

Two days off in September 2026, in different cantons: the Jeûne genevois on Thursday 10 September (Geneva), and the Monday of the Jeûne fédéral on Monday 21 September (Vaud, Neuchâtel and the Bernese Jura).

These are the last two chances for a day out before the autumn holidays. And September is probably the best month of the year for it: the weather still holds, the sites have emptied of the August crowds, and summer mountain lifts often run until mid-October.

Who gets the day off, and when?

The Jeûne fédéral itself falls on the third Sunday in September — 20 September in 2026 — everywhere in Switzerland except Geneva. But the Monday that follows is a public holiday in only three regions. In Valais, Fribourg and the canton of Jura, school runs as normal that Monday.

Geneva, for its part, has its own tradition: the Jeûne genevois, set on the Thursday following the first Sunday in September. Many Geneva families take the Friday off too and make it a four-day break.

For school holiday dates, see our summary: all the 2026-2027 dates canton by canton.

The mountains, before the lifts close

This is our first recommendation for these two dates: in mid-September, altitude is at its best. Low light, larches starting to turn, deserted trails and ideal temperatures for walking with children.

• The summer toboggan runs generally operate until October depending on the site.
• The adventure and treetop parks stay open through the fine season.
• The Rochers-de-Naye rack railway from Montreux, or the Verticalp funicular at Emosson in Valais.
• Our mountain lakes as a family and, on the Valais side, the mountains in summer with children.

One reflex only: check the lift’s closing dates on the official website before setting off. In mid-September, several installations move to reduced hours or run only at weekends.

The lake, while the water is still good

In early September, lake water is often warmer than in June — and the beaches are empty. The Jeûne genevois, on 10 September, falls right in that window.

• Our Lake Geneva beaches as a family and our Lake Neuchâtel beaches.
• A pedalo outing, particularly pleasant out of season.
• For Geneva, a crossing of the bay on a Mouette or a CGN boat: short, inexpensive, and guaranteed to work from age 3.

Some outdoor swimming pools already close in mid-September: check the end-of-season hours.

Vendanges and désalpes: the festival season

Mid-September marks the start of the grape harvest in French-speaking Switzerland, and the season of the désalpes, when the herds come down from the alpine pastures, decked with flowers and bells. These are outings children love: animals, music, crowds and a village festival atmosphere.

These events are set year by year, often only a few weeks in advance and depending on the weather. Check the 2026 dates with the tourist office for the region or the commune concerned before planning your day.

Castles and trails, at the best moment

September is the ideal season for both formats: no more queuing at the entrance, and a perfect temperature for walking.

• Our castles to visit as a family — most offer a game trail for children.
• Our themed nature trails, such as the one in the forêt des Arses in Rougemont.
• Our gorges and waterfalls: at this time of year, the Chauderon gorges in Montreux or the Vièze gorges in Monthey are dry and easily walkable.
• Our farms and animal parks, a safe bet at any age.

And if it rains?

September is changeable. Two reliable plan Bs:

• Interactive museums and aquariums and vivariums.
• Caves and mines, where the weather outside makes no difference at all.
• Our selections what to do when it rains, in Lausanne and in Geneva.

If your canton is working that Monday

In Valais, Fribourg and the canton of Jura, Monday 21 September is an ordinary school day. The weekend of 19 and 20 September is still an excellent time for an outing, though — and it will even be quieter, since families in Vaud and Neuchâtel will be spreading their outings across three days.

Our ideas by canton: Valais · Fribourg · Jura.

Choosing by age

Our guides by age group give the concrete criteria: 0–3 years, 3–5 years, 6–9 years, 10–12 years and 12–16 years.

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