Just 10 minutes from Morges, the Gardens of the Château de Vullierens are unique in Switzerland. The castle, with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, is the precious guardian of a garden of more than 30 hectares.
Originally dedicated to irises - over 400 varieties bloom in spring and are available for purchase - they have expanded considerably in recent years to become a must-see destination for lovers of gardens, flowers and sculptures.
The architecture of Château de Vullierens, together with its magnificent gardens and sculpture park, constitute one of Switzerland's most remarkable heritages, with an incomparable 180° view of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
Château de Vullierens is considered a perfect example of early 18th-century Swiss architecture, and was built on the foundations of a 13th-century fortified castle. The 100-hectare estate has remained in the same family for 700 years.
In addition to one of Europe's most modern iris collections, with over 400 different varieties and 200 hemerocallis lilies, visitors can enjoy a variety of constantly renewed spaces in the 30-hectare park. Between April and October, some 110,000 flowers create a magnificent mosaic of colors, including late-blooming tulips, wood hyacinths, a collection of peonies and rhododendrons, and an impressive rose garden.
The gardens and themed walks offer additional pleasure, and the bridle path, lined with historic trees such as redwoods, oaks and certainly Switzerland's oldest tulip tree, completes the floral offering.
The sculpture park features over 90 large-scale contemporary works by 27 Swiss and international artists.
The nearly 7-hectare vineyard is undergoing biodynamic conversion, and the wines have received organic bud certification and numerous awards. The vines are planted with Arbane, Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot meunier, Petit meslier, Pinot Noir, Gamaret, Garanoir and Galotta. The 6 estate wines can be tasted free of charge at the winery, and the historic cellars can be visited. Wine tourism events are held regularly.
Two cafés, a store and exhibitions are available to visitors. A children's trail completes the offer. Born of a generous nature sculpted by time, a kingdom is revealed to children's eyes. A world made of nature, to touch, see, listen to and re(feel).
This year, the Jardins du Château de Vullierens celebrates its 70th anniversary. Special events are planned this season to mark the occasion.
