Whether exotic or hardy, rustic or medicinal, the plants in bloom at the foot of the Alps transform this region, which has a rather harsh climate, into an extraordinary garden. Guided tour through the botanical paradise.

Tropicaland:

Yuccas, carnivorous plants, «Désespoir des singes», caramel trees or the blue bean shrub, there's no stopping Olivier Sourisse and Laurent Bouvard, creators of this exceptional garden. In order to succeed in a gamble which in principle could seem to be a little insane, the two enthusiasts bet on the «rustics», plants which are immune to cold, and took advantage of the microclimate prevalent in all gardens. Through sheer hard work and patience, they have created an extraordinary biotope containing 4000 plants and 450 species. Its two creators will enthusiastically show you around this unusual place inhabited today by kangaroos, blue peacocks, flying squirrels, alpacas and raccoons.

Adult: 5 € - Children: 3 €
Free for children below the age of 6
Open from the 1st of May through the 30th of September, Tuesday to Sunday between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm; during the rest of the year, visits are by appointment. Sale of exotic plants (which do well in the haut-savoyard winters!)
Songy – Viry (locate)
Tel. + 33(0)450 49 19 42 / (0)6 09 70 13 16
www.tropicaland.com

Mountain gardens in Habère-Lullin (localiser):

Another altitude, another challenge The horticulture farm of Habère-Lullin offers hardy perennials and shrubs which thrive well at an altitude of 900m. For all the tips on how to set up a mountain-top garden and choose plants according to the climatic conditions and vegetative cycle specific to the mountains. Reception, advice and on the spot sales from March to November, Monday to Friday from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Tel. + 33 (0)450 39 54 97. www.jardinsdemontagne.com

The Herberie du Salève:

Francoise has been cultivating 100% organic aromatic and medicinal plants on the slopes of Salève since 2004. She does everything to preserve not only the active ingredients but also the perfumes and colors of the plants. Mallow, marigold, cornflower, vervain, rosemary, marjoram, mint, lemongrass, sage, camomile, chervil, chive, fennel or even lavender are thus handpicked and sorted, dried and stored in large kraft bags after the harvest. Very thorough and meticulous work.

To visit the Herberie du Salève estate, to discover its products and to find out about the properties of the plants, make an appointment beforehand:

Françoise BEYTRISON
807, Route du Salève à Monnetier-Mornex (locate)
Tel. + 33 (0)450 36 55 83
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Sale of dried plants, herbal teas and jams

Photo: S. Roulet - Réseau Touristique du Genevois Haut-Savoyard