Voltaire's Château

castle garden, ©TB, CMN 
Mrs Denis' living room, ©CMN Benjamin Gavaudo 
Voltaire's room, ©CMN Benjamin Gavaudo



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.
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.
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.
In Video
Rankings & Labels
- Classified
Themes
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
Customers
Tour languages
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
Exceptional closures
- 01/01/2026
- 01/05/2026
- 25/12/2026
Prices
| Pricing | Min. | 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
Payment options
Services
Equipment
Services
On-site activities
- Activity
- Children's entertainment
- Concert
- Temporary exhibition
- Shows
- Theatre
Animals welcome
Adapted tourism
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.
