Yvoire, in Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, was founded in 1306 when Amédée V, Count of Savoy began fortifying the former fishing village. It’s officially one of the most beautiful villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). Sitting on the shores of the grand Lake Geneva, known as Lac Leman in French, it’s nicknamed the “pearl of Lake Geneva.”
The colourful streets of the medieval village have won it numerous and prestigious floral awards. The village overflows with flowers in bright colours. The displays are seasonal and make visits a constant pleasure. And the Garden of the Five Senses, featuring 1500 varieties of plants, makes for a sensory walk accompanied by bird song and the sound of a tinkling stream.
Artists have long flocked to the village. The lake is always a pure blue, small fishing boats, yachts and pleasure boats offer a different view of the town from the water.
Photographer Jerome Palacios from Mougins in the south of France loves to capture it’s medieval beauty. His partner Manuella Houssais says “Yvoire is full of history. There is a 14th century castle, ramparts, fortified gates and beautiful medieval houses. Stroll through the streets. Discover the labyrinth of the Jardin des Cinq Sens which offers a green escape in the heart of the village. Browse the quaint shops. And sample the delicious restaurants. There are many pleasures to be found here…”
In the heart of the village, be sure to visit the Jardin des Cinq Sens. Classified as a Remarkable Garden by the Ministry of Culture, this little paradise of greenery invites you to a poetic discovery of plants though the 5 senses.
See more of France on Jerome’s Instagram page: Instagram.com/jeromepalcios
