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Free access · Year-round
Plage de la Pinède
A succession of small natural pebble beaches connected by maintained trails, bordering the historic Ripaille Castle estate on the wild shores of Lake Léman.
Alpine lake · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Natural pebble beaches
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
1 to 3 hours on-site
Best season
May to September (swimming)
Parking
Municipal swimming pool parking (nearby)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (pebbles, trails)
Town
Thonon-les-Bains
What is Plage de la Pinède
Plage de la Pinède is a succession of small natural pebble beaches stretching approximately 3 kilometers along Lake Léman, between Thonon-les-Bains Municipal Beach and Parc de la Châtaigneraie. These wild shores directly border the Ripaille Castle estate, a former residence of the Dukes of Savoy.
The site is protected: the shorelines have been classified to preserve their natural character and historical connection to the House of Savoy. Swimming is free and unsupervised. The beaches are connected by maintained trails that run along the shoreline. One beach, marked with signs, is reserved for naturist practice.
Accessible year-round, Plage de la Pinède offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of managed beaches. In summer season, measures are taken to ensure cleanliness and tranquility. The site is also highly valued for walks in all seasons, with views of Lake Léman and the Alps.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Domaine de Ripaille, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains View on map
Coordinates
46.3736° N — 6.4776° E View on map
Elevation
372 m (Lake Léman level)
Opening hours
Year-round
Fee
Free
Parking
Municipal swimming pool parking (facing the entrance), then approximately 10 minutes on foot
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (pebbles, natural trails)
Swimming
Free access, unsupervised
Contact
Thonon-les-Bains Tourist Office: +33 4 50 71 55 55
Access
How to get there
By car
From Geneva (~25 min), take D1005 towards Thonon-les-Bains. In Thonon, follow signs for 'Château de Ripaille' or 'Piscine municipale'. Park at the municipal swimming pool parking (facing the entrance), then walk approximately 10 minutes along the trails to reach the beaches.
Open in MapsBy bike
Accessible by bike via the Lake Léman Shoreline cycle path that runs along the French shore. ViaRhôna (EuroVelo 17) route nearby.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Plage de la Pinède is accessible year-round. Swimming is pleasant from May to September, with cool but clear water. In summer (July–August), the site is more frequented but remains significantly quieter than managed beaches. In autumn and spring, walks along the shoreline offer peaceful atmosphere with soft light on the lake. In winter, the site remains open and accessible for walkers seeking absolute tranquility on Lake Léman's shore.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Plage de la Pinède free?
Yes. Access to Plage de la Pinède is free and open year-round. Swimming is also free and unsupervised.
How do I get to Plage de la Pinède?
From Thonon-les-Bains, follow signs for 'Château de Ripaille' or 'Piscine municipale'. Park at the municipal swimming pool parking, then walk approximately 10 minutes along the trails to access Plage de la Pinède's beaches.
Is swimming at Plage de la Pinède supervised?
No. Swimming at Plage de la Pinède is free and unsupervised. Watch children and inexperienced swimmers carefully. The water is cool even in summer.
What is the difference between Plage de la Pinède and Municipal Beach?
Plage de la Pinède is a succession of small natural pebble beaches, unmanaged and unsupervised, offering a wild atmosphere. Thonon Municipal Beach is a managed beach with pools, lifeguards, and facilities.
Are dogs allowed at Plage de la Pinède?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash at Plage de la Pinède and its trails. Since the site is natural and unsupervised, please respect its cleanliness.
Is there really a naturist beach at Plage de la Pinède?
Yes. One section of Plage de la Pinède, marked with official signs, is reserved for naturist practice. The area is secluded and discreet, consistent with the site's preserved character.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
