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Origin and history

The Château de Voltaire, located in Ferney-Voltaire in the land of Gex (Ain), is an 18th century residence acquired in 1758 by François-Marie Arouet, dit Voltaire. The philosopher, then in exile away from Paris and Geneva, undertook important work there: he shaved the old building to build a new building with architect Jean-Michel Billon, then added two lateral wings in 1766 with Léonard Racle. The estate, surrounded by fields and artisanal workshops, becomes a place of self-sufficiency and intellectual influence.

When he died in 1778, the castle was sold by her niece, Madame Denis, to the Marquis de Villette, who made it a memorial. The library, bought by Catherine II of Russia, is now preserved in St Petersburg. In the 19th century, the Lambert family changed the interior, bringing together some rooms and adding a veranda. The castle, classified as a historic monument in 1958, was acquired by the State in 1999 and restored between 2015 and 2018.

The chapel, rebuilt by Voltaire in 1761 in place of the parish church, bears the inscription Deo erexit Voltaire. The philosopher planned his tomb there, never used. The seven-hectare park, with its ponds, vegetable garden and charmille, reflects the developments desired by Voltaire. The estate, restored in 2012, now hosts cultural events, while the estate, labeled Refuge LPO, preserves its biodiversity.

Voltaire transforms Ferney, a village of 150 inhabitants upon his arrival, into a prosperous city of 1,500 souls thanks to workshops (watchmaking, silkware) and the remediation of the swamps. The castle, open to the public, offers visits to the philosopher's apartments, his reconstructed library and temporary exhibitions. Since 2020, part of the first floor has been accessible, completing the discovery of this emblematic Lights place.

The domain, managed by the National Monuments Centre, organizes cultural events (conferences, concerts) in partnership with the city and Franco-Swiss actors. The restoration of 2015-2018, described as a building site of the century, allowed the original colours to be restored thanks to a model preserved in St Petersburg. The castle, a member of the Maisons des Illustres network, attracts visitors and artists seeking inspiration.

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