Yvoire Medieval Village

Yvoire Open

A former 14th-century stronghold and now a member of the association of France's Most Beautiful Villages, Yvoire bears its heritage with pride and elegance. Whatever the season, come and discover the treasures of this medieval town on the shores of Lake Geneva.

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 !