Préverenges on Lake Geneva brings together a unique bird island, a sandy beach and several ways to explore the surrounding area on foot. Around Île aux Oiseaux, the focus is on migratory birds and nesting sites; at Plage de Préverenges, it is on the water, the beach and leisure activities. These different places offer specific options for a stay combining birdwatching, time at the beach and walks.
Birdwatching at Île aux Oiseaux
The Île aux Oiseaux nature reserve is in the municipality of Préverenges. The artificial island was built in 2001 and 2002 on Lake Geneva, near the mouth of the Venoge, to provide a quiet refuge for migratory birds. It is a nationally important ornithological site. The mouth of the Venoge is one of Switzerland’s most important stopover areas for migrating waders; in spring, Préverenges Bay also serves as an arrival area for birds coming from Lake Geneva.
Two platforms on stilts in front of the island provide nesting sites for terns. From the lakeside path in Préverenges, you can observe Île aux Oiseaux with binoculars or a spotting scope. From the shore, you can look both at the island and at its role as a stopover and nesting site.
The Maison de l’île aux oiseaux in Préverenges was inaugurated on 26 and 27 March 2022. In 2022, two Swarovski spotting scopes were available there for public use and free birdwatching; one was positioned at a height suitable for wheelchair users and children. If you plan to use the scopes during your visit, check their current availability in advance.
Sandy beach and activities on Lake Geneva
Plage de Préverenges is a sandy beach and the largest beach in the Morges district. Its shoreline is 500 metres long; the water remains shallow up to 50 metres from the shore. Conditions may vary seasonally. The beach also offers views of Mont Blanc. The breadth of the shoreline and the shallow water are defining features of the place, while the view provides a different perspective on the lake.
You can rent stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes at the beach. Availability may vary by season or change, so check what is currently available in advance. You can also play city golf at Plage de Préverenges. Facilities include a snack bar, the Restaurant de la Plage, showers, toilets and a car park.
Paths to the beach and along the water
The Sentier aux Oiseaux lets you reach Plage de Préverenges on foot from Morges or Lausanne. The accessible Promenade du littoral de Morges follows the lakeshore to Préverenges. There is also a path along the Venoge between La Sarraz and the beach, with quiet spots and lush vegetation. The routes differ in their starting points and scenery: from access routes from Morges or Lausanne to the lakeside path and the riverside path along the Venoge.
From the village, you can reach Plage de Préverenges via Avenue de Croix-de-Rive, heading towards Hôtel de la Plage. This gives you the option of a named route from the village as well as routes with different starting points to get to the beach.
Local history and Yadlo
The name Préverenges first appears in an official document dated 18 June 1226. Historically, Préverenges was an island shaped by the waters of Lake Geneva and the surrounding rivers. This description refers to the landscape of the past, not the present-day situation.
Since 2015, Yadlo has transformed the beach into a place for celebrations and socialising. The daytime programme includes various water sports activities, workshops and stands run by partner associations. In the evening, the programme features concerts followed by a silent disco. Yadlo thus offers a different experience at the beach from birdwatching and walks along the lakeshore.
Discover more destinations: Bougy-Villars, Aubonne, Tolochenaz, Cuarnens, Saint-Livres, Ecublens Vd, Féchy, Chigny Vd
For the main travel overview: Morges.
