Water is the Theme of Vaud Summer
This summer, Vaud celebrates the water that defines the Swiss Canton in Western Switzerland, from the majestic Lake Geneva (lac Léman) that stretches along its southern shore to smaller lakes and rivers.
Water has historically been celebrated in the region, from the classic Fontaine de la Justice in the heart of Lausanne to the Fontaine Saint-Martine in Vevey. It’s a summer to reconnect with the water by swimming on the sandy beaches, boating, and enjoying the area’s swimming pools.
Lakeside beaches in cities like Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux are how locals and visitors stay cool in summer. Built in 1937, the Bellerive-Plage swimming pool has an ideal location by the lake, with three large pools, one with a ten-meter diving board. Préverenges, near Morges, has a pedal boat, boat, canoe, kayak hire, and the “L’Oued” refreshment bar. You can also head to Les Marines in Villeneuve, Le Pierrier in Clarens, or Rivaz Plage in Rivaz. Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling, and fishing are great ways to enjoy the area.
There are also lakeside parks, like Jardon Doret in Vevey, with its playground, beach volleyball court, and ping-pong tables. Enjoy a trip on a paddlewheel steamer on Lake Geneva, or head for Lavey-les-Bains or Yvedon-les-Bains, which both feature outdoor thermal spa pools. In Villars-Gryon, there’s Frience, with three pools and a giant zipline. There’s also canyoning on the Hongrin Gorges for those with a daredevil spirit.
Further afield, Vallée de Joux offers Lake Joux, the largest expanse of water in the entire Jura massif, and Lake Brenet.
On rainy days, water is still the main attraction. The Musée du Léman in Nyon reveals the secrets of Europe’s largest lake, with five aquariums and a display of the journeys of the Piccard family. Near Morges is La Maison de la Rivière, which has the F.A. Forel submarine built by the team of Jacques Piccard. In Lausanne, Aquatis is a significant attraction, the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. Visit MyVaud for more details.
