CHÂTEAU DE CIREY - RESIDENCE OF VOLTAIRE

The construction of this castle, in the heart of a park of 5 hectares, by the marquis Louis-Gilles du Châtelet dates from 1643. Voltaire, who feared imprisonment in 1734, following the publication of his Lettres philosophiques, took refuge there for 15 years, until 1749, protected by his friend Gabrielle Émilie de Breteuil, marquise du Châtelet, another brilliant spirit of the 18th century. The castle of Louis XII style, unfinished and in ruins, was completed in the 18th century at the initiative of the philosopher, by a wing decorated with a magnificent carved external door. Today, one can discover the dining room, the marquise's room, the salons, the library, the chapel and the famous small theater where Voltaire rehearsed his plays (one of the oldest stages in France). The park of the castle offers a magnificent view on the valley of the Blaise, as well as two gardens. The first one, created in the 18th century by Voltaire and Emilie du Châtelet, is currently being renovated. The second garden dates from the 19th century and is more picturesque, with age-old plane trees, a hunchbacked bridge and the chalet-like covering of the gardener's former house. You are welcomed in front of the large door of Voltaire who himself designed the bas-reliefs evoking the arts and sciences: astronomy, geometry, literature, music and sculpture. You will discover inscriptions of the philosopher evoking the serenity of the place. The place is today a private residence.