Simon and Sofia, 7 and 5 years old, dared to enter Lake Neuchâtel on 7 January.

Muriel Antille

Not even five degrees. The temperature of the lake has largely dropped since the beginning of the year. However, the bands of die-hard swimmers and dippers are becoming more and more numerous on the shores of Neuchâtel: “It’s becoming a fashion. So much the better, we’re less likely to be taken for fools!” laughs Inès, 29, from Neuchâtel. According to her, “the many benefits” of the activity are the reason for this craze. We take baths in the sea,” she says.