Manoir de la Tour
17th-century manor house in Thônes where Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed in 1730, open for guided visits in summer.
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About the museum
The Manoir de la Tour is the seigneurial residence of the noble de Gallay family, built around 1670 in Thônes, in the Haute-Savoie department. It is known for having hosted Jean-Jacques Rousseau in July 1730.
Rousseau's visit on July 1, 1730 gave rise to “L’idylle des cerises”, a famous passage in the Confessions that marks the birth of Romanticism. The visit presents the places Rousseau frequented and connects the 18th century with the relevance of his thought today, notably in the back-to-nature movements.
In two rooms, period furniture and tableware from the Thônes museum are presented. A multimedia room shows films about Savoy, its history, economy and heritage, including a film on the House of Savoy. The manor also has a relaxation garden and an educational garden, and holds the “Patrimoine Juniors” label.
Highlights
- Seigneurial residence of the de Gallay family, built around 1670
- Site of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's stay in July 1730
- Period furniture and tableware from the Thônes museum
- Multimedia room on the history of Savoy
- Educational garden and herbarium workshop for children
Permanent exhibition
- Visite du manoir et de la mémoire de Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Guided visit of the places linked to Rousseau's 1730 stay, with period furniture, tableware and film screenings about Savoy.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50Students (with student card) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 11 · €2 for young people aged 12 to 18; free for children under 12. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50With student card. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4.50 per personAdult groups of 10 to 20 people: €4.50 per person; more than 20 people: €3.50; student groups (more than 10): €3; children's groups (more than 10): €1.50. |
Prices published by the tourist office (2023 rates). Entry to the manor also includes a visit to the Espace muséal de Thônes. Tickets are sold at the tourist office. Payment by check or cash.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
In July and August, a workshop on making herbariums for children aged 4 and over, Tuesday mornings at 10:00. The manor has an educational garden.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Amenities & dining
Toilets, picnic area and on-site parking.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visit (individual or group, up to 20 people), Tuesdays at 16:00 during the summer season. “Patrimoine Juniors” label. |
