Historic site and monument

in Ferney-Voltaire

Voltaire's Château

Voltaire hosted many personalities in his home for almost twenty years. As he declared himself the "innkeeper of Europe", he made Ferney the place to be for an elite who flocked from all over Europe.

Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the Château de Voltaire in Ferney, where the famous philosopher spent the last 20 years of his life. Voltaire completely rebuilt the château and landscaped the grounds, sometimes working the land with his own hands.
The château was a meeting place for the brilliant minds of the European Enlightenment. Voltaire wrote tirelessly here, producing major works such as the Philosophical Dictionary and tragedies, and corresponding with influential figures of his time.
Explore the rooms steeped in history, discover a collection of Voltairean objects and stroll through the park, where Voltaire loved to stroll with his guests.
In 1758, Voltaire transformed a miserable hamlet into a prosperous town through his efforts as an urban planner and patron of the arts, building houses, paving streets and developing local crafts.
Today, the Château de Ferney, restored between 2015 and 2018, invites you to discover this place of memory where Voltaire wrote so much in defense of human rights. Visit this exceptional site and relive the moments when Voltaire fought intolerance and the injustices of his time.

Sustainable tourism

The château, via its park, raises awareness among children and individuals of permaculture and the conservation of the historic garden in the face of the challenges of global warming. Part of the park is managed using eco-pastures, and an apiary has been installed in the orchard. The garden has also been awarded the LPO refuge label.

Tips

Free guided tour for EU citizens under 25 (individuals).
A label of excellence for the château: the sites awarded the “Maisons des Illustres” label are primarily villas, estates, workshops, laboratories and museums, many of them historic monuments. The “Maisons des Illustres” label is awarded to Maisons that guarantee a cultural program of excellence, adapted to all audiences.

We speak : English, French

In Video

Rankings & Labels

  • Classified

Themes

  • Historic patrimony
  • Castle

Location details

From Paris, Lyon or Bourg-en-Bresse: A40, exit 10 "Bellegarde Pays-de-Gex"; RN206 towards Pays-de-Gex; D984 then D35 towards Ferney-Voltaire.
From Lausanne and Geneva: A1, Ferney exit.
From Geneva: bus 66 or F, Ferney-Mairie stop, then a 5-minute walk to the cemetery.
Parking: parking de la mairie or parking du bijou

  • Town location
  • Mountain view
  • Close to a motorway
  • Close to a public transportation

Visit

Average length of individual visit : 60 min.

Average length of group visit : 60 min.

Minimum age required : 7 years an(s)

Maximum age allowed : 99 years ans

Minimum group size : 20 people

Maximum group size : 35 people

Customers

Suitable for : Groups, Home school groups, Students, Special rate for disabled people, Special rate for jobseekers, Cycle 1: nursery school, Cycle 2: elementary School, Cycle 4: middle School, High school, Higher Education, Cycle 3: elementary school (CM1, CM2), Cycle 3: college (6th)

Tour languages

German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Russian

Services for individual visits

  • Unguided individual tours available permanently
  • Guided individual tours available permanently

Services for group visits

  • Guided group tours available permanently
  • Guided group tours on request
  • Guided group tours obligatory

Opening

Opening hours from 01 April to 30 September 2026
MondayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
TuesdayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
WednesdayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
ThursdayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
FridayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
SaturdayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
SundayOpen from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
Opening hours from 01 October to 31 December 2026
MondayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
TuesdayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
WednesdayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
ThursdayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
FridayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
SaturdayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
SundayOpen from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

Exceptional closures

  • 01/01/2026
  • 01/05/2026
  • 25/12/2026

Prices

PricingMin.Max.
Adult
9 €Not communicated
Reduced price
7,50 €Not communicated
Group adults
7,50 €Not communicated
Group children
6 €Not communicated
Set price group adults
250 €Not communicated
Set price group children
20 €90 €

Twin ticket Fort l'Ecluse / Château de Voltaire: €12 (available from June to September)

Pass’Découvertes de l’Ain, a digital pass allowing you to visit 3 sites at a great price! 3 sites of your choice, excluding the Parc des Oiseaux: €19 3 sites of your choice + the Parc: €31

Geneva City Pass: free entry on presentation of pass

Free for children under 26 years

Payment options

  • Check
  • Bank/credit card
  • Cash
  • Culture voucher
  • Travellers Cheque

Services

Equipment

  • Picnic area
  • Lift
  • Toilets
  • Public WC
  • Exhibition space
  • Defibrillator
  • Meeting room
  • Parking nearby

Services

  • Educational visits
  • Coach access
  • Room hire
  • Themed tour
  • Shop
  • Equipment loan
  • Wi-fi
  • Tourist brochures
  • Booking of general amenities
  • Tour free of charge
  • Guided tours
  • Ticketing in number

On-site activities

  • Activity
  • Children's entertainment
  • Concert
  • Temporary exhibition
  • Shows
  • Theatre

Animals welcome

Pets are not allowed

Adapted tourism

Adapted service : Hearing disability, Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance, Reserved space 330 cm wide < 100 m from the site, Even flooring with no obstacles, Minimum aisle width of 90 cm, Doors >=77 cm wide, Lift (80 x 130 cm) and door >= 77 cm, Reception desk between 70-80 cm high, Height under table >= 70 cm width >= 77 cm, WC + grab handle + adequate space to move, Site, building totally accessible, Possibility of drop-off in front of the site, Incline >5% but reasonable, Relief map, tactile model or audio device description available at the reception, Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities

Hearing disability

Subtitled audiovisuals. Audiovisuals on tactile tables available in French Sign Language.

Motor disability

Variation of the tour route and assistance from château staff to access the lifts. We do not recommend visiting the castle grounds in winter.

Visual disability

Tactile tables available in large print and adapted contrast. Adapted guided tours by advance request only. Beware of the security cordons along the tour route.

Mental disability

Adapted guided tour by advance request only.

Address

allée du château
01210 Ferney-Voltaire

My route via Google Maps
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

9.2 / 10

Average over 452 reviews posted on various review sites

Did you find this content useful?