The Floralies around Lake Geneva offer a colourful spectacle from spring to autumn. Several places in the canton are in bloom, to the delight of spectators: the Arboretum of the Aubonne valley; Morges with its Independence Park, its streets and quays; the Château de Vullierens and the hills above Montreux. Set off without delay to discover these idyllic places and admire these little beauties of nature!
The magnolias, which are one of the attractions of the Arboretum of the Aubonne valley, bloom from mid-March to the end of April and sometimes until June for certain species. Nearly 200 different varieties are present in the park and intoxicate visitors with their delicious fragrance. Magnolias are trees or shrubs that originated in warm temperate areas but have found their place in our regions.
The second great attraction of the Arboretum of the Aubonne valley is the collection of cherry and plum trees. More than 100 different species and varieties bloom between the beginning of March and the end of April, delighting the many visitors with their beauty. Many of these trees are grown for their fruit or for their ornamental value, such as the famous Japanese cherry trees.
Every year since 1971, the town of Morges has been decked out in its most beautiful colours for the Tulip Festival during the spring. The Independence Park, the quays and the whole town host more than 140,000 flowers (tulips but also narcissi, hyacinths and crocuses) and about 300 different varieties of tulips. All kinds of activities complete this great floral show, adding the enchantment of harmonies to the symphony of colours. This magnificent festival, which has become unmissable, is organised by the Morges Fleur du Léman association, which also organises the Dahlia Festival.
From April to May, wild narcissi cover the meadows of the upper reaches of Montreux and Vevey. This natural phenomenon, also known as "May snow", is best admired during individual or guided walks along the marked paths. As soon as the snow melts, the narcissi leaves emerge from the ground and take advantage of the energy stored in their bulbs to flower early.
To discover these narcissi-covered landscapes, several educational trails start from the village of Les Avants, the stations of Les Pléiades, Glion, Caux and Mont-Pèlerin! These routes cross the most beautiful meadows and landscapes offering spectacular views of Lake Geneva.