Information AboutFerney |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT FERNEY-VOLTAIRE | |
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Ferney-Voltaire is a town and Commune in the Ain '' Département '' of eastern France , between the Jura Mountains and the Swiss border. Population (1999): 7,083. HISTORY It was first noted in 14th century Burgundian registers as ''Fernex''. VOLTAIRE Ferney was home of French Writer and Philosopher Voltaire from 1758 to 1778. Voltaire's influence on the town was profound. He built the local church and founded cottage industries that produced some of the finest potters and watchmakers of modern France. After his death, the town was renamed Ferney-Voltaire in his honor. SIGHTS Attractions include Voltaire's chateau, now owned and administered by the French Ministry of Culture and housing the Institute of the 18th Century; various 18th century houses and artisans' workshops; a lifesize statue of Voltaire; many restaurants, French and foreign; and its proximity to the nearby cosmopolitan city of Geneva in Switzerland . A market is held in the main square every Saturday. SEE ALSO |
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