I first wrote this guide to some of Lake Geneva’s best beaches and places to swim a couple of years ago. 

I’ve revisited my recommendations and checked what’s changed so you can make the most of those long lazy days at the beach.

There are beaches all around the lake but I like to think that the ones in Haute Savoie are just that little bit more special. 

These are my favourites, tried and tested, on the French side of Lake Geneva, not far from Evian-les-Bains.

Where beach life has a more bohemian feel – think tiny beach bars, oversized parasols, soft cushions, aperitifs at sundown…

… and flip flops are ‘de rigueur’.

So, grab your towel and come with me, as we explore places to catch the sun and slow down for a while. 

A straw hat and a good book

Before we go, and for people who don’t know me, I have a small confession… might as well get it over with now… I’m a beach lover and always have been.

Give me a warm beach, a big straw hat, and a good book.  Throw in a Pina Colada and I’m done, heaven on earth.

Hiking, skiing, and mountain adventures? Fabulous… but there’s a time and place for everything and with the weather warming up nicely, now’s the time to go.

There are dozens of beaches and places to swim scattered all around the shores of Lake Geneva.

But who has time to discover all those?

Luckily, you don’t have to as I’ve done the research for you.

My favourite beaches on the French side of Lake Geneva

Here’s my guide to some of the best beaches on Lake Geneva in this little corner of paradise, Haute Savoie.

Memories are made in flip-flops

I’m only including beaches with parking close by and proper facilities… somewhere to buy an ice cream, find a loo and stretch out your towels for the day.  

There are plenty of other places where you can teeter down to the lakeside from the side of the road and have the place entirely to yourself.

I’ll leave those for you to discover when you get here. 

The soft sands of Excenevex

Let’s start with one of the most popular lakeside beaches at Excenevex. 

Situated a few kilometres south of the medieval town of Yvoire, Excenevex (pronounced Ex-en-vay) is the only natural sandy beach on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Curving around a small bay, this is perhaps the largest of the beaches and there’s plenty of space to spread out. 

Its shallow waters make it ideal for children and for new-to-the-sport paddleboarders.

I learnt to paddleboard here, much to the amusement of the sunbathers on the beach.

The best thing about it is that even when you fall off, you’re usually only up to your knees or your waist in the water…which makes it brilliant for  confidence building.  

Sandy toes, sun-kissed nose

If you’re looking for a long lazy afternoon on the beach, complete with buckets and spades and all the paraphernalia, this is probably one of the best spots around the lake.

There are numerous cafés and restaurants here, catering to all budgets.

Years ago my favourite was Vedetts Beach Club, where long lunches under crisp white umbrellas ticked all the boxes.

These days the atmosphere has evolved, and Vedetts feels more like a lively beach club with sunset drinks, music and evening energy. If you enjoy that sort of thing, it’s worth taking a look to see  what’s on while you’re there.

One word of warning though — on sunny days restaurants and eating places fill up very quickly, so a picnic can still be one of the nicest ways to enjoy the beach. 

There are also children’s play areas and a rainbow selection of pedalos to rent.

Port de Séchex – off the beaten track

I love it when I discover somewhere I’ve never been before.

Séchex is a hidden gem.

Tiny in comparison to nearby Excenevex, the hamlet of Séchex has a pebble beach curving around a sheltered little bay that’s ideal for swimming.

Although there’s no natural sand here, there’s a grassy sunbathing area in addition to the beach.

This beach feels quieter and less set up for families than Excenevex —no lifeguards  or play areas — but there are public facilities, tempting waterside restaurants  and plenty of parking.

I particularly liked a little café called L’O with its straw umbrella’s, by the water’s edge.  It serves a great lunch and is the perfect spot to watch the ever changing sunsets over the lake.

Beach Sleep Repeat

The tranquil Anthy sur Leman

The beach at Anthy is small and pebbly.  It’s not as lively as Excenevex or even Séchex, but if peace and quiet are more your thing, and you like to sit gazing across the lake, then this little beach probably fits the bill.

There’s a large grassy area sloping down towards the water with picnic tables and a small café for refreshments. 

Set behind the beach is Le Goeland, a long established lakeside restaurant, in case you fancy something more substantial.

Also, there’s roadside parking and a little children’s playground nearby.

The white beach at Corzent

From Anthy you can stroll along the lakeside to the beautiful beach of Corzent. Its white pebbles and clear water make it feel more Mediterranean than Haute Savoie.

There’s a little café at one end, and at the other a restaurant, the ‘Les Pieds Dans L’Eau’ which is still a popular spot for lunch or dinner by the lake. 

Parking close to the beach is limited but there are larger car parks towards Thonon and facilities are available nearby.

If you feel like something more than just white pebbles and a long lazy lunch, Corzent is also home to Leman Windsurfing. A local association,  members can rent windsurfers, paddleboards and foils, and store equipment close to the lake.  See their Facebook page for more details of everything they’re offering this year.

Lake days are the best days

The Plage de St-Disdille

Situated at the Parc de la Chataigneraie near Thonon les Bains, this is a beautiful little beach.

It has a cordoned-off swimming area that makes it perfect for small children with inflatable unicorns.

The beach itself is pebbly but bordered by boulders that make ideal seats for watchful parents.  A large grassy area behind the beach has a children’s playground and picnic tables and this is also a really popular spot for barbecuing. 

The real gem here is the beach bar and restaurant, L’Oxxy, with its colourful tables and chair that add a Caribbean vibe to the lakeside.

You can also rent paddleboards and pedalos here.

If you arrive by boat, someone will come by pedalo from the restaurant to collect you and bring you to shore.

How cool is that!

Barefeet   Sunlit water   Long afternoons

Time to reflect at Amphion’s Plage du Miroir

Amphion’s Plage du Miroir has changed quite a bit over the last few years.

This pebbly beach is backed by a wide grassy area where families spread out for the whole day and paddleboards drift slowly across the water.

There’s plenty going on, in case just lying in the sun isn’t really your thing — pétanque, volleyball and water sports are all popular here.

More recently,  a small  lakeside wellness area with saunas has appeared for anyone who likes their beach days with a slightly more Scandinavian feel .

A few years ago there was a herd of mechanical ponies under the trees which were great for burning off  children’s energy before yet another dip in the lake.

They could be rented out to any budding jockey who could squeeze into the seat — which ruled me out sadly.

But there’s still the playground, ice creams and plenty of space to run around and have fun.

Next to the children’s play area there’s a relaxed café and bar with a large terrace and outdoor seating for refuelling both yourself and the munchkins.

Further along the grass, a newer beach bar Roule Ma Poule has brought a slightly different energy to this corner of Amphion. Think music, cold drinks, light lunches, and long summer afternoons.

For something a little more grown up, try the Radeau restaurant in front of the Hotel de la Plage.

The restaurant itself sits on stilts over the lake, but outside there are just a handful of tables lined up along the promenade under brollies.

Order lunch, tear off a bit of bread and feed the fish from your table.

There is now also access to Amphion beach for people with reduced mobility, making this one of the easiest beaches on this side of the lake for a relaxed day out.

Petite Rive de Maxilly

A long stretch of  pebbly beach runs alongside the lake to the east of Evian. You could even combine a trip to the beach here with a wander around Evian itself.

Wide grassy spaces, easy access and nearby facilities make this an easy beach to enjoy for everyone. 

The Petite Rive is popular with picnickers and sunbathers alike.

Several restaurants have outdoor terraces along the promenade here. My favourite is the friendly and unpretentious Rive-Sud (Natalie’s) which serves great salads and refreshments under lime green brollies. Just a stone’s throw from the beach.

If you need me I’ll be at the beach

… and so there we have it, just a brief selection of a few of our local, and favourite beaches.

I hope you have the chance to check them out for yourself this summer…and don’t forget, I’m the one in the big hat, with the book and the pina colada

The post Here Comes the Sun – a guide to some of the best beaches on Lake Geneva appeared first on Tales from the Balcony.