A must-see
article | Reading time2 min
A must-see
article | Reading time2 min
Enter the famous bedroom of the great philosopher and discover the bed from which his ideas flowed... With a little imagination, you'll catch a glimpse of Voltaire in his robe and nightcap!
A tireless worker, Voltaire mainly used his bedroom as a study. Considered one of the greatest letter-writers of his century, with some 20,000 letters to his credit, he would stay up late in bed writing them.
Conversations took place around his bedside, with his niece Madame Denis and his personal secretary, Jean-Louis Wagnière, at his side. Above his bed, the philosopher deliberately placed the painting of the Calas family, which he had defended. In this way, he expressed for all to see the values he held dear: justice and tolerance.
After Voltaire's death, the room continued to be an integral part of his "visit to Ferney". His friend the Marquis de Villette organized the philosopher's posthumous cult, adding a series of portraits of the people he had known, as well as a cenotaph. to house his heart. His bed became a veritable relic, and visitors were not above taking a few pieces of cloth with them!
The current bedroom, moved in the 19th century to its former painting and billiard room, features its "Polish" bed, restored to its original state.
© Reproduction Benjamin Gavaudo / Centre des monuments nationaux
© Reproduction Benjamin Gavaudo / Centre des monuments nationaux
© Benjamin Gavaudo / Centre des monuments nationaux
© David Bordes / Centre des monuments nationaux