Guided Nyvoirienne

The International Swim across the Petit Lac

7km between Nyon and Yvoire

Choose your dates and swim across the Petit Lac. The Guided Nyvoirienne Swim is a border-busting adventure over a shorter distance of 7km. Swim across the Petit Lac, the name given by locals to the western part of Lake Geneva, between the beautiful town of Nyon (Switzerland) and the renowned medieval village Yvoire (France).

Guided Nyvoirienne Swims are designed to suit your needs. Swim solo, in relay or as a group. Choose your preferred date-window and let your swim guides escort you from start to finish (the start day and swim direction will depend on the conditions for your window).

Entry Includes

  • Escort boat, pilot and lifeguard.

  • Commemorative souvenir.

  • Swim hat.

Swim Route Across the Petit Lac

Click the image below to enlarge.

 
 
 

How to attempt a swim across the Petit Lac.

Those swimmers who wish to swim across the Petit Lac may complete several steps with the LGSA before they dive in swimming. It is important to be honest about your own abilities and to be aware of the time, effort and training necessary to make an attempt. Please make sure to read all the information here thoroughly before proceeding with your booking. A few key points to remember

  • Any questions concerning your Guided Nyvoirienne swim should be directed toward the LGSA Secretary here.

  • Remember to confirm when and where to meet your escort boat. Typically swims begin early in the morning and are completed in the afternoon of the following day.

  • Become familiar with what the LGSA requires of swimmers and please read the LGSA rules and note the application deadlines.

Once you believe you are ready to make an attempt you should

  1. Choose your dates. Make sure to book your preferred dates as early as possible (usually a year in advance and no later than the 31st of March in the year of your swim), to ensure you secure the dates you want. Bookings must be made for the entire swim window. Specific days cannot be selected. Your swim may take place at any point during this window, depending on the weather and lake conditions. Remember to be prepared and remain flexible, ensuring that you are available to swim at any point during your swim window.

  2. Secure your dates. Often it is necessary to agree on the terms and conditions and pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your dates.

  3. Complete your paperwork. Upon reservation you will be instructed to complete your Swimmer Information via our online form. You will also download the LGSA Medical and Self-Assessment Swim forms, which must both be completed after the 1st of January in the year of your swim, and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window. Please note the LGSA cannot accept any other medical forms except our own (e.g. CSA or CS&PF) although most doctors are happy to sign off more than one form for different swims during one visit.

    1. Swimmer Information (online form)

    2. SAMPLE Medical Form (Do not use)

    3. SAMPLE Self-Assessment Swim Form (Do not use)

  4. Deadlines.

    1. Deposit: due upon booking (usually a year in advance and no later than the 31st of March in the year of your swim).

    2. Remaining balance: due within 90 days of the deposit, or before the 30th of April in the year of your swim (whichever is sooner).

    3. Swimmer Information: as soon as possible and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window.

    4. LGSA Medical and Self-Assessment Swim forms: after the 1st of January in the year of your swim and at least two weeks before the start of your swim window.

    If you cannot meet these deadlines, then you must make contact with the office well in advance of the above dates to see if your registration can be extended. Any additional paperwork, such as a change of team members and paperwork corrections etc, may attract an additional admin fee and there is no guarantee that this paperwork can be completed on time. Your LGSA registration could be cancelled if it is not completed by the 31st of March so make sure you are not late!

  5. Late Application. The LGSA registers swims with the French and Swiss authorities often many months in advance. Applications and bookings made after the specified deadlines can be processed by the LGSA, but only by arrangement and it is not guaranteed that they will be completed in time for your swim. If you are planning to make a late registration make sure to speak with the LGSA Secretary before booking your swim with a pilot.

So you want to attempt the Guided Nyvoirienne swim? Click here to start the journey and embark on your dream swim.

Travel and Accommodation

From the picturesque marina of Nernier to the tucked-away beaches below the château at Yvoire, the Petit Lac has plenty to offer curious swimmers. Situated only a couple of kilometres from each other, these quintessential medieval french villages are easily accessible by car or public transport (45 minutes from Geneva and 20 minutes from Nyon). Both are popular tourist destinations and offer a good variety of accommodation and occasions to taste the local cuisine!

Prefer to explore the Swiss shores? The larger town of Nyon boasts a beautiful lakeside promenade, public beaches and artefacts from Noviodunum, Nyon’s ancient roman predecessor.

 

FAQ

What is the route?

The swim route begins at Nyon (Switzerland) and ends at Nernier or Yvoire (France) depending on your chosen distance, although these may be reversed or altered depending on the conditions on the day. Your escort boat and pilot will guide you along the way.

When is the best time to swim Lake Geneva? Is the water clean?

For the past few years the warmest water temperatures in Lake Geneva have been in July and August, however this is not guaranteed and it is impossible to specify the best day for a swim attempt. Temperatures can range anywhere between 18ºC and 25ºC and the water quality has been described as ‘excellent’. The locals generally take great pride this status, with many public swimming zones along the shores of the lake.

Swim window

Typical swim windows are from Monday to Friday. The actual day of your swim will be decided based on the meteorological conditions and the priority of your reservation - several swims may be booked during the same window, and are prioritised according to who reserved first. The LGSA asks that you remain flexible and ensure that you are available to swim at any point during your swim window

Support person and feeding

You must arrange a support person to accompany your swim on the escort boat. This is key to the success of your swim as they will provide your feeds and any other personal needs you might have. Solo swimmers may bring a maximum of two support persons.

Is the Guided Nyvoirienne Swim an event or a race?

A Guided Nyvoirienne Swim is a private swim arranged just for you/your group to suit your needs. It is neither a mass participation event nor a race.

Can I swim as part of a relay or in a group?

Yes you can! You can swim in a group of up to four swimmers, however all swimmers must swim at the same pace and stay together throughout the swim. Alternatively you can also form a relay team.

What pace shall I put down?

You must provide us with your average time for completing one kilometre in open-water, during training or at an open-water swim event (if one time is faster then write the faster one). Remember, if swimming in a group all swimmers must swim at the same pace, at least 30 mins per km or faster, in order to complete the distance comfortably within the time limits.

Is there a time limit?

Typically swimmers complete the distance in between 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours. There is a maximum time limit of 4.5 hours to complete the swim.

What if the weather is bad?

If the forecast is looking bad we will contact you in the days before your chosen date to assess the available options.

Are wetsuits allowed?

Yes! You and your team are welcome to swim with or without a wetsuit. Bear in mind that wetsuit swims/relays will be recorded under a separate classification in the LGSA records.

Are there any requirements to attempt the swim?

Yes all swimmers are required to undergo a medical examination and provide a medical certificate prior to their swim. A Guided Nyvoirienne Swim is both physically and mentally demanding, and can place a great deal of stress on your body.

Where should I stay?

Where swimmers stay is down to preference, with many choosing to stay in Nyon or Yvoire. For general information on the area visit our Travel and accommodation page under Resources.

How do I find other aspiring Lake Geneva swimmers?

If you would like to meet other swimmers you can find Lake Geneva swimming forums online and dedicated groups on social media. Try searching for open water swimming clubs or Facebook/other social media platforms.

 

Swim Times

 

Successful Guided Nyvoirienne Solos

NameNationalityRouteDateTime (Hrs:Mins:Secs)Observations
Steven FeldUSANyon to Yvoire3 July 202302:38:55
Philippine FoulonFranceNyon to Yvoire02 July 202405:20:23
Vicki StewartSwitzerland
United Kingdom		Nyon to Yvoire22 July 202403:31:36
Laura BurnsUSANyon to Yvoire30 August 202403:57:48
Daniel Felipe Forero SánchezColombiaNyon to Yvoire30 August 202402:05:12Wetsuit
 

Successful Guided Nyvoirienne Relays

NameNationalitySwimmersRouteDateTime (Hrs:Mins:Secs)Observations
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Successful Guided Nyvoirienne Group Swims

NameNationalitySwimmersRouteDateTime (Hrs:Mins:Secs)Observations
Yolanda Carstens
John Carstens		Australia2Nyon to Yvoire31 July 202302:03:59
Caroline Delelis Goulart de AndradeFrance2Nyon to Yvoire18 September 202402:56:36Wetsuit

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