The Guided Classique Swim traverses Lake Geneva at its widest point, 13km between the beautiful shores of Lausanne (Switzerland) and Evian-les-Bains (France). This border-busting adventure is a must for serious open-water swimmers and an ideal setting for a swimming holiday.
Guided Classique Swims are designed to suit your needs. Swim solo, in relay or as a group.
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About The Host
Jennifer
Jennifer has been coaching High School and Masters swimming (along with all ages in between) in the Boston area for more than two decades. She has been selected as Boston Globe High School Coach of the Year multiple times and has worked with many channel swimmers and nationally ranked Open Water swimmers and Triathletes. Jennifer herself is an accomplished Open Water Swimmer, with wetsuit-free (English Channel Rules) lengthwise crossings of Lake Memphremagog (25 mi), Torch Lake (19 mi- first to complete), Lake Tahoe (22 mi), Lake George (32 mi- 9th to complete) and unique point-to-point crossings of Sacanagaca (32 mi) and Keuka (34 mi) lakes plus, most recently, the Length of Lake Geneva in Switzerland (42 mi). She is a great believer in the healing power of swimming, and constantly works to understand (and to figure out how to share) the combination of technique/physics and mental toughness required to swim long distances.
Jen is pool, open water, and lifeguard certified with USMS, WOWSA, American Red Cross, and ASCA; she is half of the parent team of two grown swimmers.
FAQ
What is the route?
The route is between Lausanne (Switzerland) and Evian-les-Bains (France). The direction of your swim will depend on the weather 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 prioritized according to who reserved first. The swim association 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 Classique Swim an event or a race?
A Guided Classique 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 three and six hours. There is a maximum time limit of seven 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 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 Classique 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 Lausanne or Evian.