The visit to the Secret Gardens of Vaulx, between Annecy and Rumilly, appeals to both baroque architecture enthusiasts and botany lovers.
The Secret Gardens: a family story
It all began in 1980 when a family moved into an old farmhouse in the municipality of Vaulx, in Haute-Savoie. The couple and their three children undertook to renovate the building while gradually landscaping and planting flowers around it. The 4,000 m² of gardens took shape over time, empirically, with one idea in mind: to create a pleasant place conducive to daydreaming, blending different influences and atmospheres.
As the project grew, the gardens sparked curiosity. In 1994, the couple decided to open the doors to the public.
An improbable mosaic of gardens
Between alpine and Mediterranean influences, the site unfolds through a succession of gardens, patios, ponds, and fountains. The water, which can be heard flowing throughout the tour, guides the visit and creates an atmosphere conducive to calm and contemplation. The materials used are recycled, natural, and often repurposed from their original use.
The abundant vegetation is organized around numerous fountains, eight of which bear the names of the couple’s grandchildren. Some visitors even see influences from the south, such as those from the Alcazar of Seville or the Alhambra of Granada, particularly in the balance between water, architecture, and vegetation.
Harmoniously accompanying nature
In the Gardens of Vaulx, the vegetation naturally integrates around the buildings. The choice of local species contributes to the gentle atmosphere of the place. Since the rose bushes have no longer been treated with pesticides, bees and bumblebees have returned. The many nectar-rich plants have also attracted different species of butterflies.
In 1997, the garden received the “Green Tourism Trophy,” then the “Quality Tourism” label from the Ministry of Tourism in 2014, before obtaining the “Remarkable Garden” label in 2018. A light meal is offered on-site at noon during the summer period.
