Why is the château de Voltaire famous?

It is the house where Voltaire lived for twenty years, from his purchase in 1758 until his death, and which he largely rebuilt.

Who built the present château?

Voltaire had the earlier building demolished and the main body erected with architect Jean-Michel Billon, then had the wings added by Léonard Racle in 1766.

How long does a visit to the château de Voltaire take?

The visit lasts around 90 minutes.

Is the château de Voltaire accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

No specific accessibility arrangements are indicated.

Can I bring my dog to the château de Voltaire?

Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.

Voltaire's château

Ferney-Voltaire

Visit

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €9
Child: Free

Free for Under 18s, 18-25 year-old EU nationals or legal non-European residents, people with disabilities and their companion, job seekers, education pass holders, first Sunday of the month from November to March

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Prices checked at the source on August 4, 2026

Visit duration: 90 min
Where: Ferney-Voltaire

To make a day of it

Château de Voltaire stands in Ferney-Voltaire (Ain), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 18th century). Adult admission costs 9 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on August 4, 2026.

Voltaire bought this estate in 1758 and lived there for twenty years, having the earlier building torn down to raise the house that stands today. Visitors see the philosopher's living quarters, his picture gallery, the central drawing room and the apartments of his niece, Madame Denis, following a complete restoration finished in 2018 that restored the original colours of the façades and interiors. The tree lined avenue leading to the château and the park enclosed by its old walls are also part of the visit.

Written from Château de Voltaire

What to know

Plan for about 90 minutes for the visit.
The adult ticket costs 9 euros.
No specific accessibility arrangements are available.
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Several car parks are nearby, including one by the château a five minute walk away, with blue zones limited to 4 hours.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 1er avril au 30 septembre: 10h-18h
du 1er octobre au 31 mars: 10h-17h

Annual closures : 1 January; 1 May; 25 December

Prices

Adult: €9
Child: Free

Visit duration: 90 min
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Dogs: Allowed on a lead
Parking: Château de Voltaire car park (5 minutes' walk), Calas or Bijou municipal car parks (5 minutes' walk or 10 minutes' walk), blue zones with mandatory parking disc (4h max), space reserved for people with reduced mobility near the château

Reserved parking spaces 100 metres from the entrance, ramp at the ticket office-shop entrance, lift giving access to the garden level, ground floor and first floor with staff assistance, outdoor flooring (gravel) not very suitable for wheelchair use

On site

Toilets
Gift shop
Picnic area
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Ferney-Voltaire · Ain · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Voltaire

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1 Allée du Château, 01210 Ferney-Voltaire

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+33 4 50 40 53 21

Call

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00116395
Period of construction: second half of the 18th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Voltaire's château: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €9. Child: free. Free for: under 18s, 18-25 year-old EU nationals or legal non-European residents, people with disabilities and their companion, job seekers, education pass holders, first Sunday of the month from November to March.
Why is the château de Voltaire famous?: It is the house where Voltaire lived for twenty years, from his purchase in 1758 until his death, and which he largely rebuilt.
Who built the present château?: Voltaire had the earlier building demolished and the main body erected with architect Jean-Michel Billon, then had the wings added by Léonard Racle in 1766.
How long does a visit to the château de Voltaire take?: The visit lasts around 90 minutes.
Is the château de Voltaire accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: No specific accessibility arrangements are indicated.
Can I bring my dog to the château de Voltaire?: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.

Information verified on August 4, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website