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Free Access · Year-Round
Plage d'Excenevex
The only natural fine sand beach on the French shore of Lake Geneva, with a gentle slope extending several tens of metres and shallow waters reaching 25°C in summer.
Alpine lake · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Natural sand beach (Lake Geneva)
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 hours – full day
Best season
June – September (supervised swimming July–August)
Parking
Paid in season (€6 per day, free from 5 PM)
Dogs
Prohibited from 1 March to 30 November
Stroller
Suitable (gentle slope)
Town
Excenevex
What is Plage d'Excenevex
Plage d'Excenevex is the only natural fine sand beach on the French shore of Lake Geneva. Located in Coudrée Bay, about ten kilometres from Thonon-les-Bains and 25 km from Geneva, it represents a remarkable geological exception: its sand comes from sub-glacial deposits formed after the last ice age (12,000 to 15,000 years ago), reworked by violent winds and Rhône currents. The lake dunes thus created are unique in Europe.
The beach is distinguished by its very gentle slope extending several tens of metres, allowing visitors to walk up to a hundred metres with water at waist height. Summer water temperatures reach around 25°C from June to September, making it a preferred bathing location for families. The setting offers panoramic views of Dent d'Oche and the Swiss coast, with pine forest in the background. The beach has held Blue Flag status since 2018, a label guaranteeing water quality and environmental site management.
Beach access is free and unrestricted year-round for pedestrians. Only parking is paid during peak season (weekends in May, daily June to August) at €6 per day, with free access from 5 PM onwards. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards from 1 July to 30 August, daily from 11:15 AM to 5:45 PM. The municipality conducts weekly water quality analyses under ARS supervision.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Avenue de la Plage, 74140 Excenevex View on map
Opening hours
Beach accessible year-round 24/7. Services and events June to September.
Pricing
Beach access free. Paid parking in season: €6 per day (car), €2 for two-wheelers, €30 weekly pass. Free from 5 PM.Verified 14 May 2026
Supervised swimming
From 1 July to 30 August, daily from 11:15 AM to 5:45 PM. Rescue posts active during this period.Verified 14 May 2026
Parking
Municipal car park with large capacity. Paid weekends in May and daily 1 June – 31 August, 9 AM to 6 PM. Free from 5 PM.
Animals
Dogs prohibited (even on leash) on the entire beach from 1 March to 30 November. Horses also prohibited.
Accessibility
Accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility. Free immersion wheelchair (ask lifeguards). Reserved parking spaces and equipped facilities.
Contact
Excenevex Town Hall: 04 50 72 81 27. Destination Léman Tourist Office (beach information point open July–August).
Access
How to get there
By car
From Thonon-les-Bains (~15 km, 20 min), follow D25 towards Sciez then Excenevex. From Geneva (~25 km, 30 min), take direction Douvaine then Excenevex. Large car park at beach entrance, Avenue de la Plage.
Open in MapsBy bike
Direct access via Excenevex Green Route, cycle path along the lake from Thonon-les-Bains and Yvoire.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The beach is accessible year-round, but the ideal bathing season runs from June to September, with water reaching 22 to 25°C in July–August. Supervised swimming operates from 1 July to 30 August. Spring and autumn offer a quieter atmosphere, ideal for walks on the sand and observing dune flora. In winter, the beach becomes a popular birdwatching site, with the calm waters of the Vion stream hosting diverse lakeside wildlife. Summer events (concerts, sand festival, artisan market) are in full swing in July and August. Avoid busy weekends during hot periods in peak season for a more pleasant experience.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Plage d'Excenevex paid?
No. Access to Plage d'Excenevex is free and unrestricted year-round for pedestrians. Only parking is paid during peak season: €6 per day (free from 5 PM), from 1 June to 31 August and May weekends.
Why is Plage d'Excenevex unique?
Plage d'Excenevex is the only natural fine sand beach on the French shore of Lake Geneva. Its sand comes from glacial deposits reworked by winds to form exceptional lake dunes, unique in Europe.
Is swimming at Plage d'Excenevex supervised?
Yes. Swimming at Plage d'Excenevex is supervised by lifeguards from 1 July to 30 August, daily from 11:15 AM to 5:45 PM. Outside this period, swimming is free but unsupervised.
Can you bring a dog to Plage d'Excenevex?
No. Dogs (even on leash) and horses are prohibited on the entire municipal beach at Plage d'Excenevex from 1 March to 30 November.
Is Plage d'Excenevex wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Plage d'Excenevex has accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility, reserved parking spaces, equipped facilities and a free immersion wheelchair available from lifeguards.
What is the best time to visit Plage d'Excenevex?
The best time to swim at Plage d'Excenevex is June to September, with 25°C water and supervised swimming in July–August. Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying calm surroundings and observing the unique dune flora.
Are there water sports activities at Plage d'Excenevex?
Yes. Plage d'Excenevex offers stand-up paddling, pedalo, kayak, boat without license, kitesurfing, rowing and aquatic walking through local providers based on-site in season.
How do you reach Plage d'Excenevex by public transport?
Plage d'Excenevex is served by LIHSA bus from Thonon (stop 'La Pinède'). In summer, CGN boats allow access from Yvoire or directly to Excenevex landing depending on season.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.