THE IDEAS : memories & DESIRES of childhood& TRAVEL
The Work of a Lifetime
The garden of secrets.
In 1980, Alain and Nicole Moumen acquired an old farm in Vaulx, a small rural commune in Haute-Savoie, France. They moved there with their three teenage daughters to live and work. At the time, they were making painted furniture.
While practicing their professional activity, the couple renovated and restored the building, decorated, and planted flowers with the sole purpose of creating a pleasant and fulfilling place to live for their family.
Both self-taught, with their three daughters they created this architectural and vegetalized place where they still live and work in an empirical and spontaneous way.
Although the family had no initial interest in opening to the public, hidden behind their large wall, these gardens intrigued and aroused interest. Solicited and encouraged, Alain and Nicole decided to open their doors in 1994.
Since then, they have been welcoming the public on sunny days, sharing a little of their dream.
A singular journey to the Alpine valleys and the Mediterranean basin.
A Mosaic of Gardens
On 7000 m² of land, the gardens, patios, and lounges open to nature, galleries, arbors, ponds, and fountains make up an astonishing universe in which luxuriant vegetation flourishes.
Twenty or so interior and exterior spaces make up a complex with varied influences: Andalusian, Austrian, Indian, Savoyard, Swiss, and Tunisian; each one has its own atmosphere, scents, and colors.
The couple used natural or recycled materials, rarely used in contemporary gardens, diverting them from their usual function. The artisanal work of wood, lime mortar, and copper and the use of pebbles and glass give Les Jardins Secrets (the Secret Gardens) their architectural identity.
Each garden has its own pond or fountain. Eight of them bear the names of the little children to whom they are dedicated. The water brings its freshness to the surrounding vegetation and the sound provides a rhythm to the visit.
Nicole Moumen
"The mountains have been my inspiration and I try to find its lessons of naturalness and simplicity."
Gardening Means Adapting
At Les Jardins Secrets, native species and plantings that adapt naturally to the site and climate are favored. Thus, they do not receive any chemical additives.
The omnipresent vegetation is staged in a light and poetic way. Perennials or seasonal, aromatic or climbing, citrus, roses, peonies, wisteria, clematis, cosmos, begonias — all of them perennial to architecture of the place they occupy.
A living refuge
With time and thanks to a reasoned management, a varied fauna has developed, contributing to the good health of the garden. The turrets and nooks are refuges for birds, and small bats make their homes in the wooden galleries. The introduction of melliferous plants has helped attract pollinating insects. Today, several species of butterflies can be found: peacock, small turtle, lemon, Vulcan, and moro sphinx.
Brunch in the garden
In the shade of the wisteria, near the fountains or in the lounges, enjoy the garden that comes to life around a brunch, as a couple or with family or friends. Available Sunday May 29, June 19, and September 4 and 18, the brunch package includes a free visit to the Secret Gardens.
Before wandering the gardens, enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee or tea, fruit juice, delicious French bread, butter and jam, pastries, charcuterie and local cheeses accompanied by raw vegetables, savory toast and white cheese with apricot compote, and crispy speculoos or fruit.
For details or to book, click HERE.
