Sports and leisure activities Geneva

Budget & Tips

Lake Geneva gives Geneva another dimension. It's what makes Geneva unique, stretching out in an exceptional setting enhanced by the Jura on one bank and the Mont-Blanc massif on the other. Geneva is also a hymn to nature and sport. On sunny days, it's a real pleasure to swim in the clear waters of the lake - even in winter. You'll be spoilt for choice at the beaches along its shores. The Eaux Vives beach, extended by Genève Plage, the Pâquis bath, and all the beaches along the shores close to the city in Versoix, Coppet and as far as Nyon, offer an escape and a vacation before its time. In fact, so many free cultural and musical events take place in Geneva that few Genevans leave in summer. From morning to night, concerts are organized, such as the Aubes at sunrise in summer at the Pâquis baths, an exceptional musical event.

Almost all water sports are practiced: swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, diving, not forgetting of course the famous lake crossing, which takes place every year and is exceptional for its participants.

The parks are magnificent, and many activities are organized here: yoga classes, concerts, open-air cinema... In summer, you can even borrow a book, a game and a deckchair for a break. The Botanical Garden organizes themed tours of the park, free of charge. Find out about the dates :

www.ville-ge.ch/cjb

There's plenty of room for inline skating and cycling around the harbour, and the Geneva countryside offers bucolic paths for bike rides: www.geneve.ch/fr/thèmes/mobilité-transport/vélos

What's very local

A swim followed by an aperitif by the lake or on the grass in a park. You'll find lots of Genevans around the lake, the more sporty ones jogging and the families enjoying themselves on the lawns. Lawns in parks and squares are permitted, which is not the case in all Swiss cantons. The number of paddleboarders is growing.

In summer, the banks of the Rhône towards La Jonction are crowded with locals sharing a barbecue and taking advantage of the Rhône's current to go for a paddle. Beware, however, as the Rhône current is very strong, swimming in the river is reserved exclusively for experienced swimmers. We swim sober, of course. If you've had an aperitif to beat the summer heat, stay on the banks and forget about swimming. Accidents happen every summer.

Attending a field hockey match is very local. There's plenty to see and do. Find out when the local team, Geneva-Servette Hockey Club, is playing at www.gshc.ch.

Far from the ultra-classicalclichés of a cold Geneva, reserved for bankers and tourists revving their Lamborghinis on the quayside to be seen, head to the Bains des Pâquis on the right bank. You'll discover another face of Geneva, one that's unique and a must-see because it's so typical. It's a melting pot, where expats, citizens of the world and artists of all origins and generations mingle. The association's managers compete in creativity to organize all kinds of cultural and sporting events: in early December, there's the famous Christmas run, where you swim in water at around 5 degrees; in summer, there's the famous lake crossing, exceptional and open to all, which links the Eaux-vives beach to Les Pâquis. There are concerts (the exceptional Aubes concert at sunrise in summer), exhibitions, festivals, chess, backgammon, ping-pong and volleyball tournaments... It also hosts the famous lake clean-up at the end of summer, open-air cinema sessions and many other events. Come for a drink, a fondue, a hammam, sunbathing, breakfast, lunch or dinner, swimming in summer and even winter, concerts, yoga, swimming lessons (for adults and children at unbeatable prices), diving. It's a great place to spend the day and meet new people! The panorama of the lake is sublime

Your documents please

For boating on the lake, you can rent a boat without a license. If you decide to take the cable car up to Mont Salève in neighboring France, don't forget your papers in case of a customs check. From up there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Geneva harbour, the Jura mountains and the French Alps (from Geneva center, take TPG bus 8 towards Veyrier douane).

To be booked

Depending on the activities you wish to practice (rafting on the Rhône, Segway on the bay...), the organizers require a reservation. Ask directly about the procedures.

Main events

An event not to be missed for the quality of the racing and the beauty of the boats is undoubtedly the Bol d'Or in June (www.boldorduleman.ch). It's the biggest regatta in a closed basin. Crews come from all over the world.

In summer, numerous free concerts enliven the squares and parks.

Tourist traps

You won't find any touts in Geneva, and if you do, it's indeed suspicious. All tickets can be purchased online, or from the appropriate websites such as Genève Tourisme, on the second floor of the Cornavin train station.