About the garden
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Château de Vullierens' architecture, magnificent gardens and Sculpture Park form one of Switzerland’s most remarkable heritage sites with an exceptional 180° degree view of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Rising from the foundations of a 13th century fortress, Vullierens is considered the purest example of early 18th century architecture in the country. The 250-acre estate has remained in the same family for 700 years and it is visited by thousands of local and international garden enthusiasts and art lovers.
The flowering season starts with tulips, followed by rhododendrons, bluebells, peonies, irises, roses, daylilies, herbaceous borders and hydrangeas, and concludes with the autumn plant collection. The iris collection – started in 1955 – is considered one of the most modern in Europe. It features recent award-winning American hybrids, including several rare re-flowering varieties. A four-acre coloured mosaic is created by 400,000 flowers at the height of the season. Themed gardens provide additional delight, offering a varied selection of designs and vistas. The 'large trees collection' includes Sequoia, oaks and possibly the oldest tulip tree in Switzerland.
The sculpture park features over 80 large contemporary works by 25 Swiss and international artists – Beverly Pepper, Alan Jones, Gillian White, Laura Ford, Dorothy Cross, Christian Lapie, Etienne Krahenbuhl, Manuel Torres, Pol Quadrens, Manuel Carbonnel, Mireille Fulpius, Carles Valverde, Herbert Mehler and Werner Pokorny, among others. It is open year-round by appointment. Vullierens' 20-acre vineyard features Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gamaret-Garanoir and Galotta. The ancient cellars were recently opened to the public and offer free wine tastings to every visitor.
A café, a shop and exhibitions are offered to visitors in the spring. In 2021, the gardens are open for the Easter Weekend and from May to October.
