Les Charmettes - Maison de Jean-Jacques Rousseau

We visited Les Charmettes on a Saturday morning in early Autumn and were pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowds. It would definitely have been possible to channel Rousseau by being a 'Solitary Walker' in the grounds. The Reception at entrance was discreet and unfussy. Somewhat ironically, given Rousseau's belief that the state should act as an agent that enforces and legislates freedom, there was no admission fee nor were we asked for any ID. We were left alone to wander around the house and in the gardens. The house is relatively modest compared to, say, Voltaire's place at Ferney-Voltaire and it's clear that Rousseau mainly visited it during the summer. Nonetheless, Les Charmettes has a real 'sense of place'. It provides a deeper understanding of the factors that shaped Rousseau's views, not least about the natural world and man's place in it. It's also the place where he discovered love, although curiously there are very few traces of his mistress, Françoise-Louise de Warens, who actually owned the house.

The place is very beautiful and rich in details, you can grab your book and sit chill in the backyard garden. The entrance is free but you can get an audio guide for 2 euros (I think). There was a small souvenir shop to get Rossoeau books, postcards, bookmarks, and these other fancy stuffs. There were also free postcards from the maison too.

It's a peaceful house, with a green garden in a little vale. It's only 30 minutes on foot from the center of Chambéry. The visit of the house is very refreshing after the slope, you can see different room, especially the bedroom of Madame de Warrens and the bedroom of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The garden is a calm place to stay for a few minutes in the deckchair. Is also a quiet place to do a picnic on the evening.

Wonderful natural scenery and lots of history, les Charmettes is really a charming place to visit. Free entrance in the building, a bit moist inside, not quite a place to stay more, but it is really a joy of spirit and soul, especially given the surroundings. Must be visited, for sure.

My visit to this wonderfully historic home has been the highlight of my trip to France from England. The house is full of fantastic trompe l'oeil and rare papiers peints and the garden too is a delight. An incredibly peaceful, poetic place full of the spirit of Rousseau. A must if you are in the area.

The gardens are worth a visit just on their own, the view and the outside of the house are very beautiful. Inside the house is a bit sparse but interesting if you have read the relevant works.

What a lovely tourist attraction. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Chambery

I am very impressed with the beauty of this place. Both the house and the garden look impeccable. It is so interesting to be in this place of rare beauty. I always wanted to know how people lived in the past and this house is a piece of history. Admission is free, you can enjoy a history lesson but also a breath of fresh air surrounded by nature.