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Pré Curieux Water Gardens
The Pré Curieux Water Gardens in Évian: an outstanding water garden on the shore of Lake Geneva, devoted to wetland ecosystems, accessed in season by shuttle boat from Évian.
Laurent DAUNE · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Botanical garden / Outstanding Garden
Access
Outdoor · summer season
Price
Adult ~€7-12 · child reduced (2026 to confirm)
Duration
Visit ~1h30-2h (with boat)
Best season
April to October
Town
Évian-les-Bains
Wheelchair access
Partially accessible Source: Office de Tourisme d'Évian
What is Pré Curieux Water Gardens
The Pré Curieux Water Gardens are a unique site on the shore of Lake Geneva, west of Évian-les-Bains. Set around a Belle Époque villa (the Villa du Pré Curieux), this garden — classified as a Jardin remarquable by the French Ministry of Culture — showcases the main wetland ecosystems (ponds, marshes, wet meadows, alluvial undergrowth) across a several-hectare estate that opens onto the lake. Native species, aquatic plants and recreated habitats give a clear-sighted reading of the fragility and richness of the Geneva basin wetlands.
Visit and access. The site can only be visited on a guided tour during the season (usually April to October), reached from Évian harbour by a small shuttle boat that hugs the shore — a very enjoyable approach that is part of the experience. The tour, led by a naturalist guide, lasts about 1h30 to 2 hours and alternates botanical, ecological and historical commentary on the villa and the gardens. Children are welcome: the tone is accessible and the paths suit child-height discovery. Daily capacity is limited, so booking is strongly recommended in July-August.
Why come? Pré Curieux is one of the few water gardens in France entirely dedicated to wetland education, and it is also the chance for a slow, contemplative walk on the shore of a sometimes surprisingly peaceful Lake Geneva. The villa, its lake-facing terrace and the gardens form a remarkable ensemble, ideal as a half-day nature outing for botany or heritage lovers, or simply for a timeless moment during a stay in Évian. 2026 prices and the exact calendar should be confirmed with the Évian Tourist Office.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Pré Curieux, west shore of Évian-les-Bains, 74500 (boat access from the harbour) View on map
GPS coordinates
~46.401° N · ~6.589° E
Phone
Évian Tourist Office: see evian-tourisme.com
Official website
See Évian Tourist Office — evian-tourisme.com
Opening hours
Seasonal April-October. Guided tours at fixed slots (morning / afternoon). Exact calendar to confirm.
Prices
Adult ~€7-12, child reduced (~€4-6), includes boat and guided tour. 2026 prices to confirm.
Booking
Strongly recommended in July-August (limited capacity) via the Évian Tourist Office.
Duration
Tour ~1h30-2h + boat ride (~10 min each way)
Parking
Parking in Évian (harbour, central public car parks).
Accessibility
Earth paths, gentle slopes. Wheelchair access partial, please enquire.
Audience
All ages from 6-7, families, nature and garden enthusiasts.
Languages
Tours mainly in French; other languages depending on availability — please enquire.
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (~85 km, ~1h30), A41 then A40, exit Cluses/Le Fayet, then D902 and D1005 to Évian. From Geneva (~50 km, ~1 h), A40 then D1005 along the south shore of Lake Geneva.
Open in MapsPublic transport
SNCF train to Évian-les-Bains station, then ~10 min walk to the harbour. Also CGN boat connection from Lausanne or Geneva.
Open in MapsBy bike
Lake Geneva greenway / ViaRhôna: Évian is on the route. Bike parking at the Évian harbour.
Open in MapsNearest stops
- Évian-les-Bains · SNCF (TER) · 924 m
- SNCF (TER) · 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
April to October. May-June: iris and water-lily bloom, soft light. July-August: peak season, booking required. September-October: Lake Geneva autumn, golden light.
Events : Themed tours (birds, dragonflies, medicinal plants), Rendez-vous aux jardins in June, European Heritage Days in September. Programme via Évian Tourist Office.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Photos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the Pré Curieux Water Gardens?
Access is only by a small shuttle boat from Évian harbour. The crossing takes ~10 minutes and is part of the experience. The site is not directly accessible by road.
How much does the visit cost?
Plan for around €7-12 adult and a reduced rate for children, including boat and guided tour. Exact 2026 prices to confirm with the Évian Tourist Office.
Do I need to book?
Booking is strongly recommended in July-August because capacity is limited per slot. Out of peak season, you can come more freely, but check the timetable.
How long does the visit last?
The guided tour lasts about 1h30 to 2 hours, plus boat rides (~10 min each way). Plan around 2h30 on site.
Is the visit suitable for children?
Yes, from age ~6-7. The tone is accessible, and watching dragonflies, frogs and water birds keeps children engaged. Great nature awareness experience.
Is the site accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The site has earth paths and requires boarding a boat. Wheelchair access is partial: we recommend contacting the Évian Tourist Office to prepare your visit.
What is the best season to come?
The season runs from April to October. May-June offer iris and water-lily bloom, September-October the beautiful autumn light. Avoid peak summer for a more peaceful visit.
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Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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