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The picturesque village of Yvoire is situated on the banks of Lake Geneva.

The port at YvoireThe port at Yvoire

Yvoire is situated on the banks of Lake Geneva (here called Lac Leman). It dates back to the 14th century when it was an important town on the trade routes through the Alps and along Lake Geneva. Today it is an attractive village much loved by tourists for its picturesque setting and its views across the lake. There are under 500 permanent residents but they are served by 17 restaurants! The restaurants are renowned for their fish dishes freshly caught from the lake in many cases.

The village is dominated by the Chateau d'Yvoire which is set right on the banks of the lake. It is not open to the public being privately owned, however the old kitchen gardens of the Chateau are open and are know as Jardin des Cinq Sens (the Garden of the Five Senses) which is meticulously maintained. Hornbeam hedges and espaliered apple trees make a labyrinth containing four areas of plants and flowers which correspond to four of the senses, the fifth sense, the sense of hearing, is represented by the babble of water and the singing of the birds in the garden

Apart from the gardens other sites to see in the town are he Church of St Pancras parts of which date to the 11th century but which has a modern stainless steel clock tower, the town museum, the town gates and some surviving ramparts.

Just strolling the streets of this medieval town however is enjoyable but get there early or late or go out of the main season as it does get a but crowded at times.

The above picture is copyright and courtesy of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France organisation.

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