The gardens were entirely conceived, designed, and constructed by a single family rather than commercial landscapers.
The architectural style fuses elements of traditional regional Savoyard building with Mediterranean and Andalusian garden designs.
The site contains over 100 different plant species integrated into its structural partitions.
Water is a central design element, utilized in various forms including fountains, basins, and irrigation channels.
The garden is structured as a 'labyrinth' of small, intimate spaces rather than a single expansive view.
Jardins Secrets in Vaulx is a 7,000-square-meter complex of themed gardens designed and built by the Moumen family over 40 years. The site features a series of interconnected exterior rooms influenced by Hispano-Moorish architectural styles, including patios, galleries, and courtyards. Visitors navigate through meticulously maintained plantings, water features, and structures decorated with ceramic tiles. It is located in the Haute-Savoie department near the Lac d'Annecy and Lac du Bourget. The gardens are private property, maintained as a creative endeavor by the original founders. The design incorporates varied architectural details and materials including stone, wood, and metalwork to create distinct atmospheres in each enclosure.
The central Moorish-inspired courtyard with the reflective water basin and arched passageways.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the path surfaces vary between stone, gravel, and dirt.
The garden is best experienced by following the marked path to ensure you do not miss any of the interconnected themed 'rooms'.
Bring a camera, as the interplay of light and shadows through the architectural screens is a primary feature.
Do not attempt to explore the gardens in a rush; the value lies in the details of the individual courtyards.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during the winter months.
Stay on the designated paths to protect the delicate flora and water features; refrain from touching the ceramic tile decorations.
