Swimming at Bains des Paquis in Geneva

Bains des Paquis is a long wooden jetty with public baths that juts into Lake Geneva. You get changing rooms, ladders into the water, a small beach area, and decent facilities including a basic sauna and hammam. The water is clean but cold most of the year; swimming here feels like a proper local experience rather than a polished resort. Expect a mix of families, students, and office workers on their lunch break. Views of the Jet d'Eau are excellent, especially in the morning light, and the pier itself is a nice place to walk even if you don't swim.

The best time is June through early September when the water temperature is tolerable (around 18-22°C). Early mornings or late afternoons avoid the biggest crowds. In winter the sauna and steam rooms become the main draw after a brisk dip. Expect to pay around CHF 5-12 for a simple swim entry; adding sauna or a sunbed pushes it toward CHF 15-20. A basic snack or drink at the on-site café costs another CHF 8-15.

Pick the far end of the jetty for swimming if you want fewer kids and better views; skip the overpriced lounge chairs and just bring a towel to lie on the wooden deck. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet – the entry can be a bit rough – and don't bother with the over-hyped “secret” photo spots; the best ones are obvious once you're there.