Maison de Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Les Charmettes)

In 1728, J.J. Rousseau leaves Geneva and finds a shelter by Mrs de Warrens in Annecy, then in Chambéry. As from the summer 1736 he settles with her, whom he calls "Mummy", in a country house in the town's surroundings.

Located in the wooded small Charmettes valley, this house enters the literature legend, since Rousseau dedicated to it important pages of his Confessions (volumes V and VI), associating this period of his life with his unique experiment of  fortune and his nature worship. Built on a terrace above the town, the Charmettes house is an example of those restrained buildings with small profit properties which arose at the end of the 17th century around Chambéry. As from the Revolution, it becomes a symbol and a place of pilgrimage for all literary and political personalities: George Sand, A. de Lamartine and all great writers speak with emotion of their visit to the Charmettes. In 1905 the Charmettes were listed as historical monument, House of literary memory, where Rousseau's shadow still soars, where his personality took shape.

Both rooms on the groundfloor, dining- and music-rooms, are decorated of still-life paintings in the Italian style. Large stairs lead to the oratory and sleeping-rooms of J.J. Rousseau and Mrs de Warrens. The windows open on a preserved environment which gives to this place a real evocative charm.

In Summer, the visitors can see shows outside. A botanical garden and a pedestrian path invite them to follow the footsteps of Le promeneur solitaire... Organization of theater, with concert and snack by night in July and August, twice a week upon resevation.