Located in Pays de Gex not far from the Swiss border, Ferney-Voltaire Castle, built between 1758 and 1766 by François Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire, on the site of a former fortified house, is famous for having been the residence of the famous Enlightenment philosopher for the last 20 years of his life.
Open to the public from early April to late October, this elegant building (a listed historic monument) is now a genuine commemorative site that immerses the visitor in the memories of the writer. It was here that Voltaire, who called himself the "Innkeeper of Europe" at the time, welcomed many famous figures from all over Europe. This is also the place where the philosopher fought against intolerance by writing major works in defence of human rights, such as the Treaty on Tolerance and the Philosophical Dictionary.
The visit is completed by a park adorned with a French-style garden, a terrace with a view of the Alps and an arbour where Voltaire liked to stroll.
