Away from the major tourist routes, an old farm in Haute-Savoie conceals a completely unexpected decor. Behind its walls, les Jardins Secrets de Vaulx unfold a maze of flowered patios, carved wooden galleries, fountains, and mosaics. A place shaped by a family for more than forty years, where the Savoyard countryside meets the palaces of the Orient.
A discreet door opened onto another world
The change of scenery begins from the first steps. Located in Vaulx, in the Albanais countryside, between the lakes of Annecy and Bourget, les Jardins Secrets resemble no other site in Haute-Savoie. Behind the appearance of an old rural property is revealed a succession of courtyards, covered passages, and small gardens nested within each other.
Finely worked wood, sculpted arches, pebbles assembled into patterns, colored walls, patinated copper, and fountains compose a lush decor. The murmur of the water accompanies the visit, while roses, wisteria, clematis, and aromatic plants overflow from the planters.
The whole alternately evokes a Savoyard house, a Moroccan riad, an Andalusian patio, or the imaginary setting of a tale. Yet, nothing has been reproduced identically. The site is the fruit of a personal creation, nourished by travels, memories, and the imagination of its owners.
The work of a passionate family
The story begins in 1980, when Nicole and Alain Moumen buy an old farm in Vaulx and settle there with their three daughters. The couple then makes painted furniture and gradually undertakes to restore the house and its surroundings to create a pleasant living environment for their family.
Over the years, the developments take on an unexpected scale. Alain works the wood, shapes the galleries, and invents new decorations. Nicole imagines the plantings, assembles the colors, and gives each space an identity. Their daughters also take part in this family adventure, which continues today across several generations.
This project, which was not initially intended to become a tourist attraction, finally opened its doors to the public in 1994. Since then, les Jardins Secrets have continuously evolved, with new ideas regularly enriching this vast architectural and botanical puzzle.
About twenty worlds to explore
The visit unfolds like a walk through a small labyrinth. Over approximately 4,000 m², about twenty interior and exterior spaces follow one another without ever resembling each other.
The Andalusian Garden is among the most spectacular settings, with its geometric lines, basins, and Mediterranean inspirations. The Cour des calades showcases pebbles and artisanal know-how, while the Rose Alley reveals a more romantic atmosphere.
The Priest’s Garden calls to mind the traditional vegetable gardens and flowered spaces of the French countryside. Further on, the Gallery of Palmettes, the Gallery of Lyres, the Lodges of Madness, or the Delight Garden invite a constant change of ambiance. Despite this profusion, the whole maintains a surprising coherence thanks to the repeated use of wood, flowers, lime, pebbles, copper, and water.
Since 2024, a new space dedicated to the spice route completes the tour. Fruits, vegetables, aromatic plants, and colorful decorations compose a new parenthesis inspired by perfumes and flavors from elsewhere.
A garden that engages all the senses
Les Jardins Secrets do not merely offer beautiful views. The visit largely relies on sensations. The scents of roses and aromatic plants blend with the smell of wood, while the sound of fountains softens external noises.
Light passes through the openwork galleries, reflects in the basins, and highlights the details of the mosaics. Visitors move from a bright space to a shady alcove, from a lush courtyard to a smaller, more intimate lounge.
Benches, arbors, and arranged corners allow for a break. This possibility to stop greatly contributes to the charm of the place: rather than quickly touring a botanical garden, one takes the time to observe details and soak in each atmosphere.
A site recognized as a “Remarkable Garden”
Les Jardins Secrets benefit from the national “Jardin remarquable” label, which distinguishes sites presenting special cultural, landscape, aesthetic, or botanical interest. This recognition highlights as much the creativity of the place as the artisanal and family work accomplished over several decades.
The garden has also received several tourist and artistic awards throughout its history. But its uniqueness mainly comes from its living character: nothing seems frozen, and each season modifies the colors, the blooms, and the atmosphere of the different patios.
An ideal outing near Annecy
The site is about fifteen minutes from Rumilly, almost halfway between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains. It is an excellent idea for a half-day getaway, especially when the shores of the large lakes are very crowded.
The visit suits couples, families, and enthusiasts of photography, gardens, or architecture. Count generally between one and two hours depending on the time spent in the different areas. In summer, light catering is offered at noon under the arbors, with fresh and local products.
My advice
Come at opening time, especially in July and August. The garden is then quieter, the light softer, and you can enjoy the fountains, patios, and small lounges before the arrival of the busiest visitors.
Practical information for 2026
Les Jardins Secrets are located at 1561 route de Lagnat, in Vaulx. For the 2026 season, they welcome the public from April 5 to October 4, with variable hours depending on the periods. From July 4 to August 23, the site is open every day from 10:30 am, the last entry being at 5 pm. Prior reservation is not required for individual visitors.
The 2026 adult price is set at 10 euros, against 8.50 euros for youth aged 12 to 18 and students, and 5 euros for children aged 4 to 12. Entry is free before age 4, and a family package is offered at 27 euros. => See the official website
