Ferney Voltaire

First mentioned in burgundy documents of the XIV century under the name Fernex . For a long time it remained an unremarkable village, until in 1759 the land on which Ferney was located was not acquired by Voltaire . Leaving Geneva , which disappointed him with the strictness of Calvinist customs and the ongoing persecution of the theater , Voltaire was looking for a settlement where he could enjoy solitude, be safe from the French and Geneva authorities and at the same time receive guests and show them his plays . Ferney met all his requirements.

After the acquisition of Ferney, Voltaire changed the spelling of the name from Fernex to Ferney : in his opinion, there were too many cities in the vicinity whose names ended in x . For about 20 years, he took care of the prosperity of his possessions: the population grew to 1000 people, skillful artisans (mainly potters and watchmakers ) settled in Fern, more than a hundred buildings were erected, including a manor and a church. Voltaire half-jokingly called himself the "Ferney patriarch"; this ironic title became his nickname. He lived almost without a break in Ferne until 1778 , when his triumphant return to Paris took place, where Voltaire died. The daily life of the philosopher in Fern and his household was captured in dozens of his works by the Swiss artist Jean Hubert .

In 1878, when the centenary of Voltaire's death was celebrated, the city was renamed in honor of the philosopher and acquired its current name.

Currently, the city's population is about 7,000 people. Ferney-Voltaire is actually the “foreign suburb” of Geneva.

All city attractions are associated with the name of Voltaire.

• The manor built by the philosopher in 1758-1766. In 1998, acquired by the state, open for visits from May to September. It consists of the main building, where Voltaire’s room was reconstructed, outbuildings, a garden with a view of the Alps and churches , contrary to the Catholic tradition dedicated directly to God . The inscription appears on it: “For Voltaire raised a Voltaire” ( lat. Deo erexit VOLTAIRE ); Voltaire's name is written in the largest letters.
• The houses of artisans of the XVIII century , built by order of Voltaire.
• Monument to Voltaire, erected in 1890.

Voltaire’s birthday is celebrated annually in Ferney, and celebrations are held.

• City Hall website (fr.)
• Website of the city travel agency (fr.)