GENEVA’S NEW BEACH OPENS SOON
by Chené Koscielny
Main picture credit: Graeme Matthews
From the 22nd of June, get ready to head down to the beach and jostle for towel space with 8,000 other sunbathers on Geneva’s long-awaited new beach in Eaux-Vives.
This will only be the first phase of the project, which has been marred in political controversy and has taken nearly 15 years to materialise at an estimated cost of CHF67 million.
COPYRIGHT GEenvironnement
PEBBLE BEACH WITH SMALL STRETCH OF SAND
The beach area on the Jet-d’Eau (left bank) side of the lake between the Baby Plage and Club Nautique will be covered in pebbles as opposed to sand. There will be a small sandy area as an extension of Baby Plage.
The overall open space, including a promenade alongside a big public park, will be nearly 5 times as big as the Bains de Pâquis on the other side of the lake.
TAKE A PICNIC
For now, though, you’ll have to make do with your own picnic. The beach restaurant – which will comprise an internal restaurant (100 square metres) and a 200 square metre terrace with stunning views over the lake, will only open in 2020.
TAKE-AWAY MEALS – BEACH TRICYCLES
Another option is to buy a take-away salad, sandwich or ice-cream from the 10 or so electronic tricycles which will be operating along the beach front area.
This idea came from Aymon Choisy, owner of Le Cheval Blanc Restaurant and future operator of the restaurant on the beach which only opens in 2020) The concept is to provide zero waste, 100% Swiss take-away meals.
Food will include sandwiches (around CHF10) and salads (round CHF14) and even cake and in the evening a choice of tapas.
The tricycles will operate every day from 7am-7pm.
SILENCE PLEASE
Take you headphones, as listening to load music is not allowed – not a bad thing at all, we think.
Barbecues are also not allowed on the new beach, nor are dogs.
PUBLIC TOILETS
For now temporary toilets will be provided, which will be replaced with ablution blocks during the second phase.
FISHING AND BOATS
The extended harbour with space for 200 plus private boats, as well as an area dedicated to fishermen, is set to open in 2020.
It’s good that loud music is banned. It’s a shame no mention of a no smoking policy though.