The International Swim across the Petit Lac
7km from Nyon (CH) to Yvoire (FR)
summer 2023 (date TBA)
Welcome to the Nyvoirienne, a brand new swimming event between Switzerland and France, brought to you by the Lake Geneva Swimming Association.
Like the Classique between Lausanne and Evian, this swim is a border-busting adventure but over a slightly shorter distance. Participants swim 7km (as the crow flies) across the Petit Lac, the name given by locals to the western part of Lake Geneva, between the beautiful town of Nyon (CH) and the renowned medieval villages of Nernier and Yvoire (FR). Swimmers are set off in groups according to their speed, to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. Participants may also choose to swim shorter distances of 5km (Nyon to Nernier) or 2km (Nernier to Yvoire).
The Nyvoirienne is not a race and welcomes swimmers with or without wetsuits.
The village of Yvoire is delighted to welcome again this swim. I thank the entire team of organisers who make it possible.
Jean-François KUNG, Maire d’Yvoire
Entry Includes
One-way ferry transport between Nyon - Yvoire (or vice versa).
Professional water safety team to support the swim.
Feed station providing an assortment of energy drinks, gels or bars (7km and 5km distances only).
LGSA Nyvoirienne event swim hat.
LGSA Nyvoirienne event medal for each participant.
Special edition LGSA Nyvoirienne commemorative prize.
Entry Fees
7km | 120€
For those looking to step up their open-water distances. Start at Nyon and cross the Petit Lac to Yvoire.
5km | 80€
Hugely popular among open-water adventure seekers. Challenge yourself and enjoy a sense of achievement as you swim from one country to another!
2km | 40€
Follow the shoreline between the picturesque French villages of Nernier and Yvoire. This is the perfect swim for people looking to gain more open-water experience.
Nyvorienne Swim Route Across the Petit Lac
Click the image below to enlarge.
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 can I expect on the day? Is the Nyvoirienne a race?
The Nyvoirienne is an adventure, not a race, with the thrill of swimming across the Petit Lac, between two countries.
You are encouraged to check in at the event village before the swim and pick up your swimmer pack including a coloured swim hat and event wristband (for your baggage). If you are travelling from Yvoire in the morning, the ferry you take to the start at Nyon will depend on your event start time (assigned according to your predicted kilometre pace).
There are toilets and changing facilities at the event village. The boat ride to the start can take up to 20 minutes so do bring some warm clothes on board just in case! You can pack these in a small rucksack before your swim start and the event team will transport it to the finish (recommended size up to 20L).
At the start and finish beach we will have cover for shade or in case of rain, and a relaxing environment for after your swim. You will receive a full event briefing at the start of your swim.
During your swim, kayaks and support watercraft will be on hand to offer support and to look out for you.
Event markers and the on-water support team will help guide you across the lake, with a feed station positioned after 2.5km (7km and 5km distances only).
At the finish beach you receive your medal, event souvenirs and a warm drink!
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 onthe day. Support watercraft and event markers will direct swimmers along the route.
Will there be feed stations?
There will be one feed station positioned approximately 2.5km after the start for the 7km and 5km distances only. This will be supplied with a mixture of water, energy bars and sports gels.
Can I bring my own supporting kayaker?
Yes you can! However, the Nyvoirienne is NOT a 1:1 swimmer and kayaker event, and therefore if you officially register a kayaker for the event, the kayaker will integrate into our safety team and thus will not be able to be dedicated to one swimmer. Kayakers can register their desire to participate here via our online form.
Therefore, if you would like to arrange your own kayaker to support you during the event with feed and nutrition support, then you are welcome to. However your feeding kayaker will be ADDITIONAL to our safety team and not under the responsibility of our safety team. Your kayaker will need to meet a number of minimum requirements. For more information please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss in more detail.
Can I wear a tow-float?
Tow-floats are mandatory for all participants of the 7km and 2km distances. Wetsuited participants of the 2km distance may choose not to wear a tow-float if they wish. Skins swimmers must wear a tow-float for all distances. Please note that your swim fee does not include a tow-float.
What pace shall I put down?
Upon reserving your place you will be asked for your swim pace. We recommend you write your average time for completing one kilometre in the pool or during an open water event (if one time is faster then write the faster one). DO NOT write a much slower time than you can swim. For the 7km and 5km distances, swimmers are grouped according to their pace, and the water safety team is deployed accordingly.
If you begin to stretch the water safety team because you are swimming much faster than your wave you WILL BE ASKED TO SLOW DOWN. In the interest of the event safety, the team have been known to temporarily remove swimmers from the water who are dramatically faster than their wave. We want you to enjoy your swim, therefore we recommend that you put down an accurate kilometre pace for the best swim experience.
Your pace will probably improve as you train for the event, therefore remember to bear this in mind. If ever you need to change your swim pace, you can do so easily by logging in to your account online.
What time does the event finish?
Swimmers will arrive at the finish beach sometime between 10am and midday. Please note that these times are subject to change and the swim may start later than scheduled. Please make sure you plan accordingly!
Is there a cut-off time?
For the 7km and 5km distances there is a cut-off time of 36 minutes per kilometre, meaning the last swimmers should be finished around 12pm. The water safety team will do a sweep to make sure all swimmers are out of the water. This time is a hard stop and non-negotiable therefore please respect the safety team if you are asked to come out of the water. The cut-off usually allows plenty of time for even the more relaxed swimmers!
Can I swim with a friend or in a group?
If you sign up for the 7km or 5km distances and you both have identical swim paces, then you will be placed in the same swim wave. Regardless of the distance you are swimming, if your swim paces differ (even by only a couple of minutes) it is not advisable to jeopardise your swim, as one swimmer is usually faster than the other, and will end up getting cold whilst waiting.
Nyvoirienne Results
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