Jardin des Cinq Sens

In the heart of the medieval city, take an amazing sensory walk to discover the world of plants.
Much more than a garden to be seen, inspired by the labyrinths, it invites you to awaken your senses: surprising fragrances, varied textures, ancient vegetables...

Description

• Located on the French shore of Lake Geneva, Yvoire is a fourteenth century medieval village. It has retained precious elements from the past. Yvoire has received a national prize for its floral decoration, and is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Nestled in the heart of this charming village, an exceptional private garden classified "Remarkable Garden". The Garden of Five Senses is inspired by the symbolism of medieval mazes and invites to a unique sensory walk where plants reveal their secrets.
  
  This medieval bourg, ideally situated on the expanse separating the «little lake» from the «great lake», still possesses some of the essential elements of the fortifications of the 14th Century: the château, doors, ramparts... Known as a modest fishing village in the beginning of the century, Yvoire is now ranked as one of the International Laureates of Floral Decorations, and is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
  
  People lived here from distant Roman times on into the High Middle Age. By the XII century, Yvoire was already a lordly domain. In the early XIV century, military architects of the great Amadeus V, Count of Savoy, turned it into a strategic fortess. Essential elements of the fortified village remain: the castle, gatetowers, and crenellated ramparts. The layout of the streets has stayed unchanged; Indeed, some streets date from an even earlier period.
  
  The garden
  
  A garden of emotions and intuitions hidden on the heart of the charming village of Yvoire, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Inspired by medieval labyrinths, visitors are invited to discover several intimate gardens dedicated to the five senses and the treasures of the plant world. Humans and plants reunite in this wonderful jewel, which is maintained daily by a team of dedicated gardening enthusiasts who love sharing their knowledge. Trained fruit trees, medicinal plants, forgotten vegetables, flowers with evocative scents, surprisingly textured leaves... the garden’s diversity grows each year, to the delight of its visitors.
  
  A private garden classified as “Remarkable Garden” by the French Ministery of Culture
  
  Taking its inspiration from the Middle Ages, this garden elaborates the theme of the five senses in the maze and in the various green spaces. You are invited to smell, touch, contemplate, listen, and sometimes to taste!
  
  From time immemorial, gardens have symbolized Paradise Lost. . .medicinal and aromatic herbs, fruit trees, vintage rose bushes, aviaries and fountains line a pathway where a collection of 1300 varieties of plants changes with the seasons.
  
  As you round a bend in the pathway, you may meet one of our gardeners. With great passion and a deep respect for nature they take care of this plant kingdom nestled in the heart of a medieval village classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. You will share the gardeners’ motto, which is also that of the Bouvier d’Yvoire family, who created the garden: Festina lente, or “Make haste slowly”. A stroll that will enchant young and old, a journey of initiation to discover and understand the world of plants :
  - 1300 plant varieties identified
  - self-guided tour with descriptive map
  - recommended duration of visit : 1 hour and more…
  - funny quiz for children
  Discover the garden with your five senses !

Complément accueil

A map is given to each visitor and a fun quiz is given to the children.
Groups can be catered for by reservation only.

• Minimum age : 3 years

Services

• Educational visits
• Shop
• Permanent entertainments organiser
• Tourist brochures

Environments

• Town location
• Village centre
• Close to pleasure port
• Pedestrian area

Prices

Adult: 15 €
Child : 8.50 €
Student: 11 €
Large family: 38.50 €
Disabled: 11 €
Group adults: 12.50 €
Group children : 7.50 €.

Free entry for children < 6 years.
Child entry valid for 6 - 18 years.
Group rate available for > 12 people.

Student group rate (under 26): €9,5
1 accompanying person free for every 8 paying
Your entrance ticket at 11€60 instead of 14€50 with the Pass Léman France
Benefit from discounts and free admission to a wide range of activities on the shores and in the mountains of Lake Geneva.

Payment methods

• American Express
• Bank/credit card
• Check
• Travellers Cheque
• Cash
• Connect Travellers Cheque

Good deals

Take your ticket online!
Select the day and timetable, and enjoy special rate

Opening period

From 11/04 to 07/09/2025
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 6.30 pm.

From 08/09 to 05/10/2025
Opening hours daily between 10 am and 5.30 pm.

Spoken languages

• German
• English
• Spanish
• French
• Italian
• Dutch
• Russian
• Chinese
• Portuguese
• Japanese
• Polish
• Arab

Adapted tourism

• Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
• Incline >5% but reasonable

Labels

• Guide du Routard
• Petit Fûté

Localisation

At the centre of the medieval village opposite the château.

Additional booking

reservation strongly recommended

Pets

Pets allowed : No

Themes

• Gift voucher : A gift idea, Jardin des 5 sens offers an online boutique selling a variety of products: their "Aquaria" range, candles and home fragrances, jewelry and books.

• Tips : Take your ticket online!
  Select the day and timetable, and enjoy special rate