Welcome to Yvoire, one of the prettiest villages in France. Yvoire is a town overflowing with 14th century medieval architecture, artisans and cafes, and above all, lovely views out across the Lake. We hope you enjoy this walking tour. This memorial lists the names of the people from Yvoire that gave their lives in the first and second world wars. Yvoire à ses enfants morts pour la défense du droit et de la liberté Yvoire, to his children who died in defense of law and freedom The memorial is in front of the town hall. In 1959 the 'Concours des villes et villages fleuris' 'Competition of cities and villages in Bloom' began. Yvoire has been awarded 4 flowers, the highest level. In 2002 Yvoire represented France in the European contest and won the International Trophy for Landscape and Horticulture. Porte de Rovorée is an historical monument. Built by the Count of Savoy, Amédée V, in the early 14th century. At that time a bridge crossed the moat. The gates hinges and grooves for the portcullis can be seen. This is the Rue de L'Église There are many beautiful shops and restaurants to visit. You can see the tower of the Église Saint Pancrace d'Yvoire. In 1857 the 'onion dome' of the church replaced the old campanile. The bell tower was 1 of 800, destroyed by Albitte during the French Revolution. The bell tower materials were then dissolved to build cannons for Napolean's army. Place du Thay: this is the main square in Yvoire It is here you will find the church of Saint Pancrace which dates back to the 11th century. The wood crafted games, toys and Gifts are beautifully made. There is so much colour in this little shop. Rue des Boulangers This beautiful village has lots of boutiques and restaurants, It's a pleasant place to stop a bit longer to also have lunch. Yvoire's streets are full of medieval buildings - alpine style with stone walls, steep roofs, wooden balconies and shutters. We are now walking along Grande Rue. A wonderful view of the Château d'Yvoire Built from 1306 during the village fortification by the Comte de Savoie Amédée V. Visit La Maison D'Histoire to understand more about historical Yvoire and view models of the earlier age of the village. Porte de Nernier leading to The Promenade des Remparts. Thierry Thorens sculpture of the Bull-Bumblebee draws awareness to the ever present problem of climate change and over breeding for consumption. The wild flower garden, insect homes and bee hives encourage us to be mindful to the consequences of a reduction in the number of bees, due to climate change. Houses in the medieval village were built into the ramparts. These houses extend out from the gate and ramparts, the painted shutters are beautiful. Visit La Cristallerie to see the beautiful glass pieces . The ice-cream is delicious here, definitely worth a stop. Many more of the Grande Rue vendors are now open, as you can see. We'll take a look inside the church, but first let's take in the view. The inscription reads 'Come to me, all you who suffer and I will give you peace' and 'Guided by the spirit, bear witness together to the joy of believing'. In 1954, Alice Duchêne and her husband, Emile, created the Restaurant Des Pêcheurs. Alice's butter-lemon sauce, perch fillets recipe, is famous. The restaurant is the first on the shore to offer this recipe. This is the Rue de la Liberté which leads towards the Chateau. The Garden of 5 Senses is on the left. Yvoire castle had a military goal to watch the navigation and control the road which linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. For centuries, Yvoire was in the center of religious wars between France, Bern, Geneva also houses of Faucigny, Dauphiné, Savoie. In 1591, a fire devastated the building . Félix Bouvier of Yvoire undertook internal and external renovation works, like the roof and the watch towers setting in 1939. Property of the Yvoire family it has not been opened to visitors. Rue du Four Banal and back again. Walking up the Rue du Lac. This is the entrance to The Garden of 5 Senses. Rue du Port, heading towards the ferries. The KUNG family owners of the 4-star Hôtel du Port since 1820. Lake Geneva or Lac Léman is a deep lake north of the Alps, it is shared between Switzerland 40%, and France 60%. and is also the largest body of water in Switzerland. It is 73 km (45 mi) long and 14 km (8.7 mi) wide.
The depth of the lake is 310 metres (1,020 feet) and the water is naturally replaced every 11.4 years. In 1823, the first Swiss paddle steamboats were launched on Lake Geneva. In 1873 CGN - "Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman" was created. 1896-1914 "Belle Époque" translation "The Beautiful Era" In this golden age of peak tourist numbers, the CGN fleet increased in stature and beauty. During the World Wars many boats were immobilized. Some were demolished, for metal recovery. Post war the fleet underwent many changes and modernisation After 1980 commuter boats were needed and in 2000 smaller excursion boats were added. Ferry Tickets, Cruises and Seasonal Celebration Sailings are just a few of the services offered. CGN operates the most prestigious Belle Epoque fleet of the world. Its mission is to preserve this unique heritage. Port de Plaisance, is the main port. A long promenade with the harbour on one side and an attractive public park on the other. Port d'Yvoire has 440 moorings for boats The CGN Boat "Valais" was commissioned in 2008, can carry 200 people and docks at Nyon. Ferries operate daily throughout the year. Amazing hat shop, especially needed in the head of the day. Beautiful souvenirs of Yvoire Port des Pecheurs, the older and smaller, fishing port. A view of the chateau from the old port. Bless you! The bell tower was covered with stainless steel in 1989. It shines like a lighthouse on Lake Geneva. The top is covered with gold leaves from one of the last gold millers, in Excenevex, France. The "Simplon" sails from mid-June to early September. Commissioned 1915-1920 it's capacity is 880 people. Along with the "La Suisse", it's the largest in the fleet. The Simplon has had two partial renovations in 2005 and 2011, it will still need a last major renovation before 2030. The lounge combines neo-classical art with maple paneling. What a beauty! Thank you for watching. Remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE, we really appreciate your support.
