Known as the pearl of Lake Léman, the village of Yvoire sits 24km north-east of Geneva and is home to just over 1,000 residents.
Despite its modest size, Yvoire is packed with history and is home to three 4-star hotels and two 3-star hotels, as well as boasting some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
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Classed as one of the country’s most beautiful villages, Yvoire is indeed a photogenic gem of medieval houses and winding streets lined with wisteria and geraniums.
As if that were not enough, it also overlooks the stunning freshwater Lac Léman, offering visitors countless opportunities to relax on its shores and lose themselves in the view, or indeed to try their hand at watersports.
Up until the 1950s, it remained a simple farming and fishing village, but it was gradually improved and transformed so that it has become a must-see of the Savoie, particularly known for its wonderful floral displays that have earned it a 4-flower ranking with villages fleuris.
Medieval history
Château d’Yvoire was built in the 1300sYvoire France
The fortifications of this village date back to 1306, when the defences were erected by Amédée V le Grand, Count of Savoie.
Its grand history can still be seen in the stone-built ramparts and the vast arched gateways that were once used to defend the village and to stop people passing through.
On the side of the lake, the former watchtower remains intact and imposing, standing between the water and the château.
The Château d’Yvoire was built in the 1300s in a strategic location so that it could survey two-thirds of the lake. Its military keep was used to monitor shipping and to control the road that connected Geneva to the upper Rhône valley as well as Italy.
The castle held its defensive position for three centuries before falling to attackers from Bern in 1591 and being ransacked and mostly destroyed, but has belonged to the d’Yvoire family since 1665.
The château underwent restoration in the early 1900sYvoire France
In the early 1900s, instigated by Félix d’Yvoire, the keep was given a new roof and four corner turrets. Although the château is not open to visitors, its iconic silhouette continues to stand like a sentinel guarding over the lake, centuries after completing its original surveillance role.
If you would like to learn more about the village’s rich history, head to La Maison de l’histoire, where you will find scale models and original archive documents, or pop into the tourist office for details of how to discover the town’s history as you explore its streets.
A remarkable garden
The Garden of Five SensesYvoire France
Walk through the rue du lac towards the fishing port and you will find Le Jardin des Cinq Sens, a wonderful space inspired by medieval gardens and recognised as a jardin remarquable.
Home to more than 1,300 varieties of plants, these extensive grounds are designed to awaken and delight the senses, from the sight of deep blue clematis and the incredible perfume of pineapple sage to the sounds of the birds and the trickling water of the fountains.
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Open from May to September, entry is 15€ / 8.50€ or free for children under six years old and makes for a memorable visit.
No longer an ugly duckling
Back in 1844, the French poet and author Alfred de Bougy arrived at Yvoire as night was falling.
Yvoire France
When he wrote of his travels, he included a chapter entitled ‘Chez les sauvages du Léman’ (Among the savages of Lake Geneva), which included this vivid and uncomplimentary description of Yvoire: “A hodgepodge of ugly shacks, hovels that look like pigs’ lodges [...] the most despicable of villages.”
Given that Yvoire is now nationally recognised as one of France’s most beautiful spots, that is quite the turnaround!
