New Eaux-Vives Beach Expansion for 2026

You can find the latest updates on Geneva travel info.

You can find the latest updates on Geneva travel info.

The new beach expansion includes several ecological zones for local plants and small animals. These areas help protect the natural environment while providing a beautiful setting for tourists. Visitors can walk along the new stone paths that lead directly into the cooling water. The beach remains free to enter and offers a great budget-friendly activity for everyone.

Modern public amenities are also part of the 2026 upgrades for this popular lakeside area. You will find clean showers and changing rooms located conveniently near the main sandy beach. Lifeguards will be on duty during the peak summer months to ensure visitor safety. These improvements make the beach one of the best public swimming areas in the city.

The beach is open daily from 9 AM until 9 PM during the warm season. It is located just a short walk from the Jet d'Eau and the city center. You can reach the beach easily by taking the local yellow water taxi boats. Many people bring their own snacks for a relaxing lunch by the peaceful shore.

Nearby parks offer plenty of shade for those who want to escape the bright afternoon sun. You can find many benches and grassy areas perfect for a small family picnic. The expansion project also includes new bicycle parking spots for active and local travelers. This area truly represents the best of sustainable and modern urban development in Geneva.

Scenic Lakefront Walking Trails in Geneva

New pedestrian paths now connect the city center to the quieter outskirts of the lake. These walking trails offer stunning views of the high mountains and the deep blue water. The Quai de Cologny section has been extended to provide more space for morning joggers. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll while watching the many white sailboats pass by.

The trails feature new wooden viewing platforms that extend out over the surface of the lake. These platforms are perfect for taking photos of the famous and tall Jet d'Eau fountain. You will find many information boards explaining the history of the lake along the path. The trails are fully accessible for strollers and people using wheelchairs in 2026.

Native plant gardens have been planted along the edges of the new walking and cycling paths. These gardens create a green corridor that supports local bees and beautiful colorful butterflies. You can smell the fresh flowers as you walk through these well-maintained urban nature spaces. It is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland within the city.

The walking trails are free to use and stay open twenty-four hours every single day. Most paths are well-lit at night for those who enjoy a romantic evening lake stroll. You can find several public drinking fountains with fresh Swiss water along the entire route. These trails connect many of the major Geneva Tourism landmarks along the shore.

We recommend starting your walk at the Quai du Mont-Blanc for the best overall experience. From there, you can follow the shore all the way to the beautiful Parc de la Grange. This route takes about forty-five minutes at a very relaxed and slow walking pace. It is the perfect activity for a sunny and warm morning in Geneva.

Eco-Friendly Boating on Lake Geneva

Sustainable travel is a major focus for the new boating activities in 2026. The city has introduced several new solar-powered shuttle boats for public transport across the lake. These quiet vessels allow you to travel between the shores without any harmful carbon emissions. They offer a peaceful way to see the city skyline from the calm water.

You can also rent new electric pedal boats at several locations along the main lakefront. These boats are very easy to operate and perfect for a fun afternoon activity. Prices for a one-hour rental usually start around twenty Swiss francs for a small boat. This is a great way to get some light exercise while enjoying the scenery.

Guided eco-tours are now available for visitors who want to learn about the lake's ecosystem. These tours use electric boats and are led by knowledgeable and local nature experts. You can see rare birds and learn about the fish that live in the water. It is an educational experience that both children and adults will truly enjoy.

The pier facilities have been updated with modern docking systems for all types of small boats. You will find better signage and more frequent departures for the public water taxi services. These boats are included in the Geneva Transport Card given to most hotel guests. This makes exploring the lake very affordable and convenient for every single tourist.

Most boating activities are available from April through the end of October each year. We suggest booking your guided tours in advance during the busy summer holiday months. The main boat docks are located near the Brunswick Monument on the right bank. Always check the weather forecast before heading out for a day on the water.

Lakeside Dining and Local Gastronomy

The lakefront dining scene has transformed with many new restaurants opening for the 2026 season. You can find a variety of seasonal food trucks serving delicious local and international dishes. These trucks are often located near the new parks and popular swimming beach areas. They offer a casual and fun way to eat while enjoying the lake view.

Many restaurants now focus on sustainable seafood caught directly from the fresh waters of Lake Geneva. You must try the local perch fillets which are a famous and traditional Swiss delicacy. These dishes are often served with fresh seasonal vegetables grown in the nearby countryside. Most lakeside eateries offer outdoor terrace seating for a perfect and relaxing meal.

New terrace bars have opened along the Quai du Mont-Blanc for the 2026 summer season. These spots are ideal for enjoying a refreshing drink as the sun sets behind mountains. You can sample local Swiss wines from the nearby vineyards of the Lavaux region. Many bars also offer small plates of Swiss cheese and cured meats to share.

Prices for a meal at a lakeside restaurant can range from thirty to sixty francs. Most places are open for both lunch and dinner during the warm summer months. We recommend making a reservation for dinner to secure a table with a great view. The atmosphere is usually very lively and welcoming for both locals and international tourists.

You can also find many designated picnic spots if you prefer a more private meal. Many local shops sell pre-packed picnic baskets filled with fresh Swiss bread and tasty treats. Eating by the water is a popular tradition for many families living in Geneva. It is a simple way to enjoy the beauty of the lakefront area.

Best Viewing Spots for the Jet d'Eau

The Jet d'Eau remains the most iconic symbol of the city for every single visitor. New floating pier perspectives have been created to give you a much closer view. You can feel the light mist from the water as you stand on these platforms. These viewing spots are perfect for capturing the ultimate travel photo of Geneva.

In 2026, the fountain features a new evening light show with many vibrant colors. The lights change based on the season and special events happening in the city. You can watch the colorful display from the many benches located along the shore. The show usually begins just after sunset and lasts for several hours every night.

For the best photos, visit the fountain during the early morning or late afternoon hours. The soft light creates a beautiful rainbow effect in the spray of the water. You should bring a waterproof cover for your camera if you go onto the pier. The wind can often blow the water toward the people standing on the walkway.

There are several resting areas with modern benches located near the base of the fountain. These spots allow you to sit and admire the power of the rushing water. You can learn about the engineering behind the fountain at the nearby information center. It is one of the most visited Switzerland Tourism sites in the country.

Access to the Jet d'Eau walkway is free and open to the public most days. The fountain may be turned off during periods of very high and strong winds. You can check the official city website for the daily operating schedule and times. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Geneva lakefront in 2026.