The main thing to do in Yvoire is to stroll—down the narrow streets, with their many shops and craftspeople, along the lake front, with views to Nyon (Switzerland) just across the lake, through the 14th century gateways that lead into the town, and to the center of town, Place du Thay (Linden Tree).

There is a castle overlooking the lake. Although it is private and cannot be visited, it dominates the town and provides some wonderful photo opportunities.

The Jardin des Cinq Sens (Garden of the Five Senses) is the former vegetable garden of the Château. It has been restored as a medieval garden and is a lovely place to wander and relax. Based on the theme of the fives senses, you are invited to smell, touch, see, listen, and even perhaps to taste (open from May to October; charges admission).

You'll find many small shops and studios, with lots of craftspeople offering their wares and art galleries and studios. Walk down the Grande Rue, which is the main street, but also wander down some of the smaller streets such as Rue de l'Église (Church Street), Rue des Boulangers (Street of the Bakers), or Rue des Jardins (Street of the Gardens).

The Place du Thay is where medieval markets were held. It is also home to the 17th century Village Hall.

But perhaps most notable in the Place du Thay is the onion-domed church, the Église Saint-Pancrace. It dates from the 11th century, though has gone through several renovations. The onion dome was added in 1854 and is typical of 19th century Savoyard religious architecture. Covered in stainless steel and gold leaf, it shines in the sun.

Yvoire, with the onion dome of St-Pancrace gleaming in the sun.

Of course you will also want to wander by the water. The Port des Pêcheurs, or Fishermen's port, is just behind the Place du Thay, while you can reach the Port de Plaisance, or Marina, by following the Grande Rue. There are lovely views from both. You may also see ferry boats from Nyon, Geneva, Lausanne, or other lakeside towns coming into the port of Yvoire. There are also excursion boats that can provide 30 minute lake tours, with commentary.

If you want to swim, head east out of town (toward Évian), and you'll soon come to Excenevex, with its beaches.

Yvoire has a number of restaurants, some of the fancier ones located on the water, others spread throughout the village. We enjoyed a lunch of a local specialty, tartiflette (potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions, and bacon) at Jaja's, in the Place du Thay.

And if you decide you want to stay overnight, there are a few hotels on the water; see search box, below right.

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