Where to go swimming in Geneva?

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Geneva boasts numerous bathing spots for every age and every taste.

Swimming in a natural setting

Beaches and baths in the City of Geneva

The territory of the City of Geneva has only one free public beach with games for children: Baby-plage

A second public beach, Les Eaux-Vives Beach, opened in 2019.

The Bains des Pâquis, a firm favourite with the inhabitants of Geneva, also offer access to the lake and welcome you in a convivial atmosphere. They will be open from May 30 2020. 

Beaches in the canton of Geneva

The canton has 29 bathing spots which are listed on the state of Geneva website. 

The Lake Geneva beaches website allows you to find a beach according to the types of activity and infrastructure you are looking for.

Swimming in the Rhône: stay alert!

For anyone wanting to take advantage of the amenities on the banks of the river at the Pointe de la Jonction and to enjoy the cool waters of the Rhône, stay alert as there are strong currents, and respect the instructions on site. Consult the safety rules for swimming in the Rhône on the state of Geneva website.

Useful information for swimming in a natural setting

• The map of the beaches provided by the commission internationale pour la protection des eaux du Léman (CIPEL) offers regularly updated information on the quality of the water;
• The météo des plages (beach weather) website provides daily information concerning the temperature of the water in the lake;
• The Confederation website allows you to observe the daily variations in the level of the lake, regulated by an inter-cantonal agreement and kept constant by means of the Seujet damn.

Public swimming pools in Geneva

The City of Geneva has six public swimming pools. While certain local pools essentially host sports clubs, the two large pools of Varembé and les Vernets, boasting indoor and outdoor pools, are open to the public.

Entertainment and pools for children

During the weekend, at both les Vernets and Varembé, one pool is reserved for children with aquatic activities provided. To find out more and consult the opening times of the pools reserved from young children, consult the pages of the pools in Varembé and les Vernets.

Paddling pools

While the pool in les Vernets has a paddling pool, there are 11 other such structures available free of charge in the different parks around Geneva. Only open to children under the age of 7 and the people accompanying them. More information on the paddling pools page.