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.
24 Culture Yvoire, Medieval Lakeside Village and Garden of Five Senses®
Contact
- T. : +33 (0)4 50 72 80 21 (office de tourisme)
- T.2 : +33 (0)4 50 72 88 80 (Jardin des Cinq Sens)
- Email : accueil@destination-leman.com
- Site : www.destination-leman.com
- GPS : 46.36909 / 6.325592
- Adresse :
- Yvoire
- Office de tourisme
- 3, Place de la Mairie
- 74140 Yvoire, France
Yvoire

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 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
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!

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 !
- funny quiz for children
Discover the garden with your five senses !
Itinéraire
Located in the centre of Yvoire village
By car: motorway A40, exit Annemasse (28 km) or exit Findrol (25 km) Bus parking in 300 m distance.
By train: railway stations Thonon, Annemasse, or Geneva (TGV stop)
By plane: Geneva airport
Regular CGN boat services leaving from Geneva, Nyon, Thonon, Evian, and Lausanne
Tarifs, forfaits
The garden
14,50 € Adult
8 € Children (6-18)
37 € Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children)
5 € extra child
10,50 € Student (-26 years old)
10,50 € Handicapped or attendant
One year season ticket 20 €
8 € Children (6-18)
37 € Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children)
5 € extra child
10,50 € Student (-26 years old)
10,50 € Handicapped or attendant
One year season ticket 20 €
Dates de validité
The village is freely accessible all the time.
The garden
Open all days from 7 april to 1 october 2023.
Visites guidées proposées et durées
The village
Guided tours all year for groups on reservation
The garden
Guided tours for groups.
The garden
Count at least 1h and take time to touch, smell, taste, look, hear, and dream...
Langues parlées
The garden
We speak French and English
Our documentation exists in many languages (F, GB, D, E, I, NL, P, PL, J, R, S)
We speak French and English
Our documentation exists in many languages (F, GB, D, E, I, NL, P, PL, J, R, S)
Descriptif des services et/ou des infrastructures proposés
The picturesque village offers a great choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops offering craftsman products and souvenirs.
The garden
Video presentation in French and English
English quizz for children