Refreshments, swimming and friendly food: summer at Les Bains des Pâquis
A place of worship for Genevans, the Bains des Pâquis and their convivial refreshment bar delight bathers every day. It’s with wet bathing suits and bare feet that we slip into the queue, which is always packed during the summer months. Despite the crowds, the organization is efficient and we quickly reach the cash desk. There’s no table service here, just a real buvette atmosphere, so we grab our tray and head off in search of a seat.
Shaded terrace
The terrace is shaded by canisses. From here, you can see people playing beach volleyball, ping-pong or chatting in the middle of the pool: a beach vacation setting. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of bathers, gourmets and regulars enjoying the shared cuisine prepared daily by the team. The menu is small but well-established. The classics remain unchanged, such as the fondue, which is one of the best in Geneva, even in the middle of summer, or the famous Greek salad, generously garnished with large cubes of feta cheese.
With the current weather, we opt for the dish of the day: a colorful plate of several salads and a soft, lightly browned cheese-spinach empanada. The wheat salad, like a tabbouleh, is sweet and fragrant. The cucumber, topped with a yoghurt sauce and a hint of dill, adds crunch. Small pieces of watermelon, waterlogged and sweet, refresh the whole. The guacamole, with its chunks of tomato, onion and avocado, is a real treat. The whole thing rests on a bed of arugula that adds a peppery flavor; the result is a generous plate full of freshness. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that are the best, especially when you’re between swims, the sun is shining and the lake water is running over your bathing suit.
Urban beach
As for drinks, we opt for a refreshing, thirst-quenching homemade bissap with a hibiscus flavour, the perfect companion to prolong this summer interlude. At Les Bains des Pâquis, you’ll rarely be disappointed. The “urban beach” atmosphere is immediately apparent: you relax, unwind and enjoy. A real vacation feeling… without leaving Geneva.
