Whether you take the decision to spend an hour, half a day, a night or several days in Yvoire, here is the list of the 10 essential activities not to miss when visiting the medieval city:
1. Awaken your 5 senses in a Garden at the center of the village
Green gem in the heart of the village, the Labyrinth – Garden of Five Senses is a natural little piece of heaven classified Remarkable Garden by the ministry of Culture and Communication. You will awaken your 5 senses thanks to the wonderful plants!
Find out more: Garden of Five Senses
2. Take pictures of Yvoire castle
When under construction in the 14th century, the military dungeon was used to watch the navigation and control the road that linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. Today, the majestic shape of the Yvoire castle is still standing as a sentinel on lake Geneva and is the source of joy to photographers.
Find out more: Yvoire castle
3. Defend Yvoire: fortified medieval village
The fortifications of the medieval village, ramparts and gates, used to defend the town located at the bottom of the castle. In Middle Age, the road crossed the village and the fortified gates built by order of the Comte de Savoie Amédée V, controlled the passage.
Find out more: Medieval fortifications of Yvoire
4. Take a walk among flowers and old rocks
Flowery medieval village, Yvoire is classified amongst the Most Beautiful Villages in France for the charm of its alleys leading to Lake Geneva and its old rocks which invite us to immerse ourselves in History.
Find out more: The flowery alleys of Yvoire and the old rocks
5. Enjoy the view of Lake Geneva
At any time and any season, Lake Geneva is source of pleasure. The sound of the waves, the sun reflecting, the sight of the mountains around. Enjoy those magical moments and go have a swim!
Find out more: Lake Geneva
6. Take off and discover Yvoire from the lake
Due to its ideal location at the forefront of Lake Geneva, the village of Yvoire is a central point to enjoy the lake on a boat. Sporty people, tourists, nature lovers, sailing amateurs, there is something to suit all tastes.
Find out more: Yvoire from the lake
7. Take a moment to meditate in Saint Pancras church in Yvoire
The Church of Saint Pancras in Yvoire is very old and has undergone many changes. Classified Historical Monument, it’s unavoidable place in the visit of the village. Enjoy in particular the onion dome, distinguishing feature.
Find out more: Saint Pancras Church
8. Immerse yourself in the history of Yvoire medieval village
To immerse yourself in the history of Yvoire and understand better the current village considering the centuries that have been shaping it, don’t forget to visit the House of Yvoire’s History, located in the Grande Rue.
Find out more: House of History
9. Enjoy the delicious local specialties
Old fishing village, Yvoire – cooking wise –invites you to savor fish from Lake Geneva and enjoy numerous other possibilities to feed your appetite.
Find out more: Culinary specialities of Yvoire
10. Walk up to La Chataîgnière – Domain of Rovorée
If you want to discover other ways, a green path dedicated to pedestrians and bicycle riders was settle to allow you to reach on foot or by bike the Domain of Rovorée – La Châtaignière, located at 1.5km eastwards to the village.
Find out more: La Châtaignière – Domain of Rovorée