LA CLASSIQUE OPEN-WATER SWIM
13 KM CROSSING OF LAKE GENEVA
Lausanne (Switzerland) → Évian-les-Bains (France)
11 July 2026
Weather backup date: 12 July 2026
Two Countries. One Lake. 13 Kilometres.
La Classique is LGSA’s iconic open-water endurance swim across one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine lakes.
Group size will be kept small to ensure a focused and high-quality crossing experience.
Event Overview
Distance: 13 km
Cutoff time: 7 hours
Start: Lausanne, Switzerland
Finish: Parc Dollfus, Évian-les-Bains, France
Mandatory safety briefing: 8am
Start time: Approx. 8:30 AM (subject to conditions)
Typical water temperature (July): 20–23°C (68–73°F), subject to seasonal variation
Finish area access for spectators
Organised by the Lake Geneva Swimming Association (LGSA), La Classique offers a rare opportunity to swim from Switzerland to France in one continuous crossing.
Experience Requirement:
This event is intended for experienced open-water swimmers. Participants should have completed at least one swim of 8-10 km in open water within the past 18 months.
From preparation to perseverance. From one shore to another.
Entry Fee €325
Entry Fee Includes:
Fully supported swim with a dedicated on-water safety team
Regularly spaced buoys along the course
Snacks after the swim at Parc Dollfus
Full safety coordination and event logistics
Not Include:
Food and drink during the swim
(Swimmers must provide their own nutrition to their kayaker, with clear instructions.)Dedicated kayaker
Transportation to/from Lausanne or Évian
No refunds will be provided for withdrawals, no-shows, weather-related modifications, or postponements including if the swim distance is shortened for safety reasons.
Kayaker Requirement
Each swimmer must have a dedicated support kayaker.
You have three options:
1️⃣ Bring Your Own Kayaker + Kayak
You are responsible for transporting the kayak to the start.
2️⃣ Bring Your Own Kayaker + Rent a Kayak from LGSA – €75
Includes transport of the kayak to the start in Lausanne.
3️⃣ Request a Kayaker + Kayak Provided by LGSA – €275
LGSA will arrange both the kayaker and the kayak.
Swimmers providing their own kayaker must submit the kayaker’s name and email address at registration.
Two swimmers may share one kayaker provided they swim side-by-side and remain together for the entire crossing. Swimmers wishing to share a kayaker must register together.
A mandatory safety briefing will be held for all swimmers and kayakers.
Rules
Wetsuits are permitted.
7-hour cutoff. Swimmers not on pace to complete within 7 hours may be removed from the water at the discretion of safety officials.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
All swimmers must have a dedicated support kayaker and must remain with their designated kayaker at all times during the swim. Failure to do so may result in removal from the event.
All swimmers and support kayakers must attend a mandatory safety briefing at 8am on the day of the swim.
Swimmers are responsible for their own nutrition and hydration during the swim. Food and drink should be provided to the support kayaker, and it is the swimmer’s responsibility to communicate their feeding schedule to the kayaker.
Swimmers must maintain steady forward progress.
Each participant must read and agree to the official Rules & Terms and sign a liability waiver during registration.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have valid identification to enter Switzerland and France.
Safety decisions are final and based on weather and lake conditions.
Safety
Safety is LGSA’s highest priority.
The event includes:
Motorised security boats
Safety personnel
Buoys along the course
Continuous monitoring of lake conditions
The event is conducted with appropriate authorisation from Swiss and French authorities.
The event may be postponed or modified if conditions are unsafe.
Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Refunds will be issued only if the event is canceled by the Lake Geneva Swimming Association (LGSA).
No refunds will be provided for withdrawals, no-shows, weather-related modifications, or postponements.
Preparing for La Classique?
13 kilometers across open water demands more than fitness.
It requires efficiency, pacing, feeding strategy, and mental resilience.
LGSA offers structured preparation opportunities on Lake Geneva:
LGSA SwimStronger Swim Camps - Évian-les-Bains
Small-group camps focused on:
Technique refinement
Open-water efficiency
Endurance development
Pacing strategy for long swims
Ideal for swimmers building toward marathon swims and lake crossings.
Final Call
Two countries. One lake. 13 kilometers.
Spaces are limited. Please register early.
If this crossing has been on your list, this is your moment.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?