Léman footbridge from Nernier to the port of Tougues in Chens-sur-Léman

Important preliminary remarks: see practical information.

The route starts at the port of the village of Nernier, a few steps from the car parks and heading west towards Geneva. Nernier is a charming historic village and therefore a tourist attraction. You can park in one of the many car parks available on the outskirts. Those near the port are in the blue zone from April to October.

(S) Head south-west and walk along the harbour. At the end, take the footpath. The path winds between the lake shore, small private harbours, boat ramps and villas. The path is sometimes tricky but safe. Continue west along this path or, in some places, along fairly narrow stone or concrete shoulders (hence the name "footpath").

(1) Cross Messery beach (swimming possible and refreshments available in summer) then continue along the footpath.

(2) At La Pointe, cross the shipyard (please respect the premises and the people working there). During the winter season, many sailing boats are in dry dock: slip straight between them. Then walk along a semi-abandoned harbour basin to its south-western corner, then along the fence surrounding a large, long abandoned building to reach the Pointe road and its boat launch.

Even if the path seems less well maintained, continue along the lake shore, leaving a group of old rural buildings on your left and a jetty on your right. You will arrive at the Ruisseau des Pâquis, which flows into the lake.

(3) At this point, there are two options depending on the conditions:
- If the lake level and stream flow are low, you can also cross the water via the beach.
- Otherwise, as shown on the map, walk 20 metres up into the woods and find a small bridge made of stone slabs. Cross the stream using this bridge and go through the gate after the bridge. Cross the property (right of way) to reach the shore a little further on.
In both cases, continue south-west.

N.B. The footpath is not marked on either the IGN or OSM maps, but it is clearly marked on the ground and is regularly used.

(4) The footpath ends at a boathouse and runs along the left-hand side of it, then crosses a bamboo grove to emerge at the rear of a house facing the lake. Cross the land and the following properties, following the homemade yellow signs at the beginning.

(5) Continue, leaving a large new residence with a large,well-kept park on your left. You will arrive below the Château de Beauregard, a 13th-century fortified house that served as a lookout point on the lake, whose beautiful gardens can be visited in summer.

(6) Pass the château and continue along Beauregard beach (swimming possible). At the end of the beach, the path runs along the shore under the château's driveway and leads to the very popular Tougues beach (swimming possible). Cross the beach and you will reach the Port of Tougues (E).

For the return journey: see practical information.

Very important notes to ensure that this route remains authorised:
- As this is a right of way across private property, it is forbidden to leave the route, stop or picnic.
- Stops, including for picnics, are permitted on the public beaches and harbours of Nernier (S), Messery (1), Beauregard (6) and Tougues (E).
- Elsewhere, the banks, pontoons and beaches are private.
- Keep your dog on a leash and take its waste with you everywhere.
- Bicycles and other vehicles (scooters, etc.) are prohibited.
- It is forbidden to pick up or gather anything or to leave rubbish or litter behind.

Organising your return journey and choosing your route:

The return journey is on foot, but as the view and the sun's position are opposite to those on the way there, you will not feel like you have already been there. The ideal plan is to set off in the morning, enjoy the lakeside restaurants on arrival (perch fillets, Arctic char or féra), then make your way back in the afternoon, stopping for a refreshing swim in summer.

N.B. The distance and time shown on the hike sheet are for a one-way trip. Allow 4 hours for the round trip.

The route can also be done in the opposite direction, as there are also car parks at the port of Tougues and numerous restaurants in Nernier. If you do the route in the morning, it is best to start from Nernier so that you have the sun behind you and the landscape lit up in front of you. On the way back in the afternoon, you will also have the sun in the right position.

Finally, it is possible to do just one leg of the walk, in either direction, by parking at least one vehicle in Nernier (S) and one in Tougues (E).

Swimming in Lake Geneva:
- In summer, the lake temperature ranges from 17° to 22° (or even higher in the event of a heatwave): don't forget your swimsuit!
- Swimming is not supervised.
- If the water is very warm, it is best to rinse off and rub yourself vigorously with your towel after swimming to remove the harmless "duck fleas" (which are not actually fleas). Otherwise, you may experience a slight itch for a few days.

Allow some time to stroll around the historic and romantic village of Nernier.

Not far away, the village of Yvoire, which is less intimate, is also well worth a visit (4.5 km or 4 minutes by car). Set aside some time in Yvoire to visit the castle's Jardin des Cinq Sens (Garden of the Five Senses), a special place. However, you will not be able to enter the castle, which is private.

Visit the gardens of the Château de Beauregard in Chens-sur-Léman on your way just before the port of Tougues.

And of course, in summer, you can swim in the lake.