Haute-Savoie (French Alps)Yvoire France

The medieval village of Yvoire is located on the French side of Lac Léman - Lake Geneva. Yvoire is positioned at the end of the Presqu'île de Léman - Leman peninsula, that divides Lake Geneva into the Petit Lac - small lake and the Grand Lac – big lake. Its vantage point on Leman peninsula means you can almost get a 360° of the Lake Geneva.

This position today offers great views of the lake but centuries years ago it offered control over much of Lake Geneva and power over one of the gateways to the Alps. Starting in the early 14th century Yvoire was fortified. These fortifications lasted for a few hundreds years until the 16th century when Yvoire fell under the influence of Bern, an ally of France and Geneva. At this time there was relative peace and no need for Yvoire to maintain its military architecture. What you see today of the ramparts and walls of Yvoire are only a sample of what once was.

Yvoire is best visited on foot, in truth the only people that can drive in the medieval village are residents. There is ample parking but it is best, if possible to start early so you won’t have to walk too far. The best place to start your visit of Yvoire is at the tourist office. There you can get a map and see what events might be taking place. During July and August the Yvoire tourist office offers Thursday evening concerts.

The Yvoire of today is a village full of flowers and other delights. Its restaurants are renowned for their sea food, or in this case lake food. There are a number of hotels in Yvoire, many with a view of Lake Geneva. Hotels with a view include the Hôtel Restaurant du Port, Les Flots Bleus and Le Pré de la Cure. There are a number of B&B’s in Yvoire. For more information see the tourist office web site, under accomodation.

Yvoire is about 45 minutes from Geneva and the A40 Autoroute. To get to Yvoire from Geneva follow direction Evian/Thonon, in Douvaine follow signs marked Yvoire. From Annemasse and the A40 Autoroute take direction Evian/Thonon follow direction Douvaine. In Douvaine follow signs marked Yvoire.

Ice build up in the port of Yvoire.

Related Links:
Start in Yvoire France
Yvoire Office du Tourisme - Pays du Lac Leman

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