Paid
Museum of Fauna
Bellevaux
Museum of Fauna at Bellevaux: 200+ naturalised mountain animals in reconstructed habitats, audio interactive stations. Adult €4, child €3.
Free · Open access
Jardin Alpin de Bellevaux
Small open-air alpine garden behind the village church of Bellevaux, dedicated to the mountain plants of the Chablais range.
Location verified by loisirs74.fr
At a glance
Type
Botanical garden
Access
Free open access, year-round
Price
Free
Duration
30-45 min visit
Best season
June (peak flowering)
Town
Bellevaux
What is Jardin Alpin de Bellevaux
The Jardin Alpin de Bellevaux is a small open-air botanical garden tucked behind the village church, managed by the municipality and the Bellevaux museums association. The site showcases the mountain-plant biodiversity of the Chablais: common and rarer species, edible, toxic and medicinal plants, each labelled with short explanations.
The walk is short (30-45 minutes), taken at your own pace through the beds and around the pond that gives the place its contemplative feel. A children's play area (slides, swings, climbing frame, animal-on-spring rides, for ages 3-12 under parental supervision) sits alongside — handy for combining the visit with a family break.
Access is free and open year-round, no booking required. Peak flowering is in June, but the ambience shifts with the seasons: spring blooms, summer fruits, autumn colours. The garden also serves as a starting point for exploring the rest of the village and the hiking trails of the Brevon valley. It pairs naturally with the Faune museum and the Maison de la Belle Vallée, both nearby (the Bellevaux village museums).
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Behind the village church, 74470 Bellevaux View on map
Access
Free and open, year-round, no booking
Best season
June (peak flowering) · pleasant May to October
Contact
Bellevaux town hall: +33 4 50 73 71 53 · Tourist office: +33 4 50 73 71 53
Access
How to get there
By car
From Thonon-les-Bains: D26 then D32 to Bellevaux (25 min). Park at the village car park, then 2 min walk to the church.
Open in MapsPublic transport
Seasonal bus from Thonon-les-Bains to Bellevaux. Limited service off-season.
Open in MapsBy bike
Bellevaux is on Chablais mountain-bike routes; signposted trails from Thonon and Lullin.
Open in MapsNearest stops
- Chez Maurice · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y03 · 465 m
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
When to visit
When to visit
Open year-round. Peak flowering in June — the best time. May and September still offer a pleasant ambience. In winter the garden is accessible but botanical interest is limited.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No, access is entirely free, year-round, with no ticket or booking required.
When is the best time to visit?
June, at peak flowering. Visits remain pleasant from May to late September, with the ambience changing through the seasons.
How long should I plan?
30-45 minutes for a relaxed walk through the garden. Longer if you combine with the children's play area or the neighbouring museums.
Is the site child-friendly?
Yes, a play area for ages 3-12 (slides, swings, climbing frame, spring-mounted animals) is on site, under parental supervision.
Can I bring a dog?
The garden has no formal ban, but dogs must be leashed to respect the plants and other visitors.
Is there parking?
The village car park is nearby and free. The garden is 2 minutes' walk behind the church.
What else is there to do nearby?
The Faune museum and the Maison de la Belle Vallée are next door. The village is also a starting point for hiking and mountain biking in the Brevon valley.
Is the site wheelchair-accessible?
Access is via a slightly uneven path; some sections are less suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Contact the town hall for current conditions.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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