Try to find a contact for the UN plage (beach). They have a private plage on the lake and I went to one BBQ there a few years ago. You'll probably find info via the UN Staff Council office (call the UN and ask for them).

It's outside of course.

Private ground is privately owned and anyone who can afford property with direct access to the lake is most unlikely to be interested in renting out the space.

Your best bet is to approach a club or even a “buvette”.  Even so, it won’t come cheap.  You might have more luck on the French side of the lake.

R.

I agree with you Ritchie but I'd give the UN a try as it is a kind of club. As I said, I think it is handled by the Staff Council and if not, they will know who to contact.

The UN's private plage is not quite the same as a private person or business entity owning the place and the UN is not there to make a profit on everythng so it just might work. When I went, it was the International University of Geneva that was the host and they don't usually throw money around.

It wasn’t my intention to demean your excellent suggestion of the UN plage.  I was simply trying to say that private ground is rarely available to the public – a fact that many people, especially newcomers, don’t appreciate.

Have you never heard people say that there should be a public footpath beside the lake for the entire length of the left bank and why doesn’t “la Ville” do something about it?

Best, R.

I didn't think there was any malice at all in your reply, I thought it was also a very useful suggestion.

Yes, I've heard of the footpath issue. No chance would be fair comment I think.

Not sure if OP still needs help, but if so:

Have a look at the camp site in Collonge (see address below). I'm not sure if they're already open, but it's a nice place (my parents stayed there when they visited), and right at the lake. 

Pointe à la Bise