The Family-Friendly European City That Feels Like a Beach Holiday – with 100 Beaches Just 2 Hours Away

With sales data from providers such as On the Beach, Co-Op Holidays and Newmarket Holidays showing that short-haul city breaks are on the rise, Lausanne, Switzerland ticks all the boxes for families searching for a city getaway that ticks the beach box for summer 2025. Best of all, it takes less than two hours to get there!

Following a short flight time of 1h40m from London to Geneva, a quick train journey will take you to Lausanne, where families can relax at this unexpected beach destination on the shores of Lake Geneva in less time than it takes to watch the Wicked film. Whether you're seeking outdoor fun, cultural experiences, or simply some much-needed downtime, Lausanne offers it all — with a dash of Swiss charm, of course!

Beat the heat this summer

The trend of ‘coolcationing’, where travellers search out more temperate climes during peak summer months rather than deal with blazing temperatures of over 40 degrees, is still going strong for 2025. From June to August, summer days in Lausanne hover at a pleasant 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with the water in Lake Geneva a dip-worthy 21°C and above. These temperatures make Lausanne perfect for outdoor explorations and activities, and families can enjoy everything from sunbathing to sight-seeing to cycling without worrying about the intense heat.  

The Swiss Riviera’s summer playground

Speaking of activities, there’s plenty on offer at Lausanne: 

🌊 Take a dip – With 100 beaches on the shores of Lake Geneva, families will be spoilt for choice. Popular summer hang-outs include Vidy Beach, which is the largest beach on the lake at 500 metres of sun-kissed sand, Ouchy Beach with its a stunning 2,000 m2 bathing area, and the three beachside swimming pools of Bellerive-Plage.

🌳 Outdoor adventures – Hike through the lush Sauvabelin Park and climb the 35-meter-high Sauvabelin Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Spot friendly animals at the nearby park and enjoy a picnic by the lake. Lausanne’s surrounding mountains also provide endless hiking and biking trails that offer spectacular views of the Alps

🐠 Immersive museums – Dive into Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium, AQUATIS, where kids and adults alike can discover fascinating aquatic ecosystems, or embrace Lausanne’s sporting heritage as the Olympic Capital at The Olympic Museum. Kids can test their skills in virtual competitions (they’ll love racing against Usain Bolt!), while adults explore the inspiring stories of past champions.

🚂 Lakeside train rides – All aboard the Lausanne-Vidy Mini Train for a charming lakeside journey with stunning views. Little travellers will love it - while grown-ups will love the nearby Vineyard Train, which takes passengers on a tour of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces.

🌿 Serene botanical gardens – Stroll through Lausanne’s botanical garden, a hidden oasis in Montriond hill in the heart of Lausanne that’s open every day with free entry. 

Plus, kids visiting will receive a free Lausanne Travel Journal, which is packed full of activities related to the city. Young travellers can discover the city through drawings and games - and each location has its own activity. 

With its cool climate, vibrant activities, and stunning landscapes, Lausanne is the ultimate antidote to the summer heatwave—an unbeatable family destination for 2025!

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For more details, visit the official Lausanne Tourism website: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/

Note to Editors:

High res images available here.

For interviews, or further information, please contact Alexandra Liste / Isabel Turner-Hicks: lausanne@lemongrassmarketing.com 

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Editors notes

Capital of the Canton of Vaud and 4th largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne shines through in its dynamism and openness, as well as its sporting, cultural and food offering.

Lausanne Tourisme acts as a point of call for the city at the national and international level, by inviting travellers to discover the charm of the city of Lausanne.