The apartments of Madame Denis

Vue d'ensemble du salon de Mme Denis avec le clavecin, le portrait de Catherine II de Russie, des tables de jeu

A visit to the apartments of Voltaire's niece and companion, located in the north wing of the château and restored to their original state, is sure to entice you into the "convenient, rustic and comfortable home" of the lord of Ferney!

Madame Denis's salon

Madame Denis, the philosopher's niece and companion since 1744, was at the heart of his life in Ferney. She played an essential role as mistress of the house. The "inside" was reserved for her: furnishings, decorations, stewardship and the comfort of guests from all over Europe.

Enter her apartments and imagine the atmosphere of a salon of the era, where discussions rhyme with a few cups of hot chocolate and coffee!

Madame Denis's salon was also the home of Voltaire's guests: d'Alembert, Condorcet and Madame de Genlis flocked to the philosopher's home to see him, but also to enjoy the harpsichord pieces played by the Dame de Ferney.

Vue intérieure avec tables de jeux du salon de Mme Denis et le clavecin — Restitution du salon de Mme Denis
© Benjamin Gavaudo / Centre des monuments nationaux

Madame Denis's bedroom

Adjacent to the salon, Madame Denis 's bedroom invites us into her intimacy and femininity.

Sitting at her dressing table, facing her mirror, a cup of hot chocolate awaits her.

Her alcove bed, whose fabrics match her furniture and wall hangings, evokes the comfort so sought-after in the Age of Enlightenment.

A movable ember stove provides even more warmth!

At the far end of the room, hidden behind a double door, her wardrobe with "English places", not restored, offers a convenient toilet equipped with a rare drainage system.