It is another hot summer so we thought that a few local outdoor swimming pools will keep you cool over the holidays if you remain in the area. Remember to call ahead to check if these outdoor pools are open when the weather is threatening. If you are a resident of the commune where the pool is located you may be eligible for a special discount.
In order to avoid queues at the ticket counter, most places have set up an instantaneous attendance warning system on their website and/or online ticket sales. We strongly recommend that customers take note of this information before visiting pools.
©Excerpt from Know-it-all passport® so This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us if you would like to replicate this list. All dates and prices are correct at the time of this article. Scroll down to see Geneva, Vaud, and neighboring France.
Outdoor Swimming Pools in Canton Geneva
La Plage Publique des Eaux-Vives
022 546 76 00
website
This free beach is twice as big as that of the Bains des Pâquis. This public beach was opened in 2020 and is beautifully located in the heart of Geneva and accessible to all. The swimming site, about 400m, goes right up to the Baby Plage and can accommodate 6,000 to 8,000 people on beautiful summer days! Take advantage of the excellent quality of Lake Geneva's waters following the many efforts made to clean it over recent years.
The beach is not made of sand but rather small pebbles so no need for shovels and pails. Shower stalls and toilets are onsite. A drink stand will be open all summer. NOTE: check out the TPG's Ligne des Plages (number 29) that drops you off near all the Geneva lakeshore beaches).
Bains des Paquis
30, quai du Mont-Blanc
1201 Genève
022 732 29 74 main
022 738 16 16 restaurant
website
Lake beach offering sunbathing platforms, a life guard, warm showers, changing rooms, toilets, and towel rentals. Hammams are open over the summer Fr. 10.- includes towel rental. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Usually open during summer daily 10h-18h30. However the beach is accessible 24h/7. There are 2 sandpits for toddlers and kids as well as 2 wading areas (50cm deep) and 2 cordoned-off areas for swimmers. Price: Fr. 2.-/adult, Fr. 1.-/child. The Restaurant Buvette des Bains is open year-round 7h-23h.
NOTE: Les Aubes musical start to the day - from 14 July through 17 August 2025 from 5h30 (am), see schedule and weather permitting.
© all photos Lisa Cirieco
Being in Europe, we are spoiled by the amount of castles on every hilltop and town center. How lucky we can just have so many at our doorstep around Lac Léman, Lac de Neuchâtel, and Thunersee. Whether with guests or your own family, you will surely find a few on this small list that we have taken out of our latest ©Know-it-all passport®!
Abbaye de St Maurice
Av. d’Agane 15
1890 Saint-Maurice
website
Famous for its Merovingian treasure and 1,500 years of history. Augustine monks are still active as teachers here. Guided tours only (1.5 hours), at set times. You may request a tour in English. Price Fr. 16.-/adult, Fr. 10.-/children 6-16. Open Tuesday to Friday 10h-17h30, weekends 11h30-17h30. Check website before going.
Château d’Aigle and the Musée de la Vigne, du Vin et de l’Etiquette
Place du Château 1
1860 Aigle
024 466 21 30
website
Aigle Castle was built at the end of the 12th century and is situated in the middle of vineyards. It harbors a wine museum with old wine-making traditions and tools, as well as a terrific collection of wine labels. Note: It’s fun to go to Swiss Vapeur Parc (see below) in the morning through lunch (there is a mini Château d’Aigle there!), then drive over to the life-size Château d’Aigle in the afternoon. Price: Fr 11.-/adult, Fr. 5.-/age 6-16. Family and group packages available. Open daily during summer 10h-18h.
If you see this pink bus with large lettering "Vamos a la playa!" then hop on! You won't have to worry about where to park and can take advantage of the many beautiful local beaches along the Lake Geneva shore.
Every Friday evening through Sundays (until 28 September 2025), the new TPG beach bus line 29 (Ligne des Plages) is servicing the lakeside from Creux-de-Genthod - Gare to Collonge-Bellerive - Bois-Caran!
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple or with your family, leave the stress and monotony of everyday life behind you and enjoy unforgettable moments on Switzerland's lakes and rivers. This carte journalière de navigation opens up a wide range of possibilities offered by the 15 major navigation companies throughout Switzerland.
Buy up to 6 day passes for CGN or participating navigation companies around Switzerland. Don't miss out! Fr. 23.95/ticket gives you a day pass to hop-on, hop-off boats on the day of your choice.
This really is a tremendous deal and the tickets are valid all season (through 19 October 2025). Maximum 6 per person.
The tickets are available for purchase through 22 June 2025... don't delay! While supplies last.
NOTE: In comparison, if you buy a day pass through the CGN site you will pay Fr. 90.-/person or Fr. 45.- if you hold the demi-tarif pass. Some communes also offer day passes (but you must specify which day you would like); the prices are usually around Fr. 45.- as well. In any case, this Interdiscount deal for Fr. 23.95/ticket cannot be missed!
Photo from a few years ago when they cost CHF 1.- less... still a good deal.
If you are looking for some fun outings during the Easter holidays, then check out the Cerdon area in nearby France. Not only is Cerdon famous for its rosé sparkling wine, but you can also visit the Grottes (grotto) and Silk Museum in the old factory of Musée Soieries Bonnet. There are a few restaurants in the nearby village of Cerdon as well, or prepare a picnic if the weather is suitable.
Here we visit the silk factory turned museum, Musée Soieries Bonnet. It takes you through all the stages of the caterpillar through the finished clothing.
