Discover the Hidden Gem of Ferney-Voltaire
Visit the Château of French Writer and Philosopher Voltaire
Aug 14, 2009
Ferney-Voltaire is a quiet, but quaint town located on the France-Swiss frontier and takes just fifteen minutes to drive from the south of the Swiss city, Geneva, making a family day trip easy and accessible. The main attractions in Ferney-Voltaire’s historic town are Voltaire’s château, the iconic statue of Voltaire which takes pride place in the town square dedicating him as the town’s ‘benefactor’, cobbled alleys that display small boutiques with eye-catching displays as well as restaurants with the smell of freshly cooked pizza that teases the visitor with its aromatic smells and pubs that cater to the town’s inhabitants.
The ‘Patriarch’ of Ferney
The history of Ferney can be traced back to the 14th century in the Burgundian registers. Then however it was spelt ‘Fernex’. Consequently when Voltaire arrived four centuries later, he changed the ‘x’ to a ‘y’ as he believed there to be an excessive amount of towns in the region already ending with an ‘x’, such as Maconnex, Saconnex, Gex, Versonnex and Ornex. After leaving Geneva in 1759 the town of Ferney soon became home to the celebrated French writer and philosopher Voltaire after he purchased the château of Ferney.
From 1759 to 1778 his influence upon the town was insightful which saw Voltaire using his time wisely by becoming the patriarch of the town. Setting up potteries and theatres, people from Geneva would especially travel to Ferney to watch his plays, as theatre was then forbidden in France. After the French Revolution the town was renamed Ferney-Voltaire in his honour.
The main attraction to Ferney-Voltaire is of course the château which was built in the years 1758-66. Now owned by the French Ministry of Culture the château is open to visitors between May and September offering majestic rooms to explore and spectacular views of the Alps.
Ferney-Voltaire Offers Peace and Tranquillity
Take some time out and discover the simple pleasure of Ferney-Voltaire. Enjoy a cold drink on a summer’s day, while sitting outside under a shaded patio surrounded by sweet-smelling flowers. Or take a stroll through the village and make a wish by throwing a coin into a fountain. Whatever you choose, Ferney-Voltaire offers the escape needed from the bustle of city life, while the local inhabitants welcome you into their warm community. In the summer Ferney-Voltaire displays the historic town’s natural rustic beauty, while in the winter months visitors can relax in perfect seclusion as the number of visitors’ drops in the village.
Ferney-Voltaire is one historic town that has escaped the lure of turning into a tourist destination. Offering its visitors with quaint shops and old houses, the visitor can also enjoy a fantastic Saturday market where they can browse among the varies products for sale. Not only this, but every year visitors from all over the world get to experience a family day out at the Voltaire festival where they can take delight in the many day and night festivities, such as plays, oriental dancing and live orchestras that are on offer. Set up marquees also provide visitors and local inhabitants with a selection of fine red and white wines, champagne and beer before ending the night with a spectacular fireworks display.
Take Some Time to Explore the Majestic Beauty of the Rhône-Alpes
The Rhône-Alpes are famous for being one of the most scenic areas of France with its dense forests, lush pasture land, huge lakes, deep gorges and not forgetting its imposing mountains. Continental in places, alpine in others, the geography of the Rhône-Alpes region gives its visitors a diversity of landscapes that is unmatched in the rest of France. If however visitors are up for a challenge while in Ferney-Voltaire they might consider the peaks of the Alpes which have drawn many climbers and walkers in the summer, while tempting winter sport enthusiasts in the winter.
Many activities can be done in the Alpes such as fly-fishing, angling and casting in the lakes and rivers, while mountain streams offer char, trout, pike, pike-perch and carp. The Ardèche provides rafting for the water enthusiasts, while exceptional golf courses can be found everywhere. If however, you prefer to relax in the Rhône-Alpes several spas are available, while routes are well signposted for walking, hiking or riding activities.
The experience of Ferney-Voltaire and the Rhône-Alpes will exceed the expectations of many asking the visitor why they have only just now discovered this hidden gem called Ferney-Voltaire.
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