Les Charmettes, maison de Jean-Jacques Rousseau

About the museum

Les Charmettes is a fine 18th-century building in a valley a few minutes from the centre of Chambéry. Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed here with Madame de Warens between 1736 and 1742. He discovered the pleasures of nature, devoted himself to music and continued his education. These years laid the foundation for his work.

After Rousseau’s death and the French Revolution, the house became a place of pilgrimage. At the beginning of the 19th century, Georges-Marie Raymond, who later became curator of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Chambéry, lived here and opened the house to visitors. He set up a guest book, which many notable figures have signed, and this tradition continues today.

The house bears the “Maison des Illustres” label. It is managed by the Chambéry city museums, which are preparing a new room devoted to the iconography of Rousseau (paintings, pastels, sculptures, prints and art objects), to be discovered in 2027. The garden, with its apple trees and vines, offers a view over Chambéry and the surrounding mountains.

Highlights

• House where Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed from 1736 to 1742
• “Maison des Illustres” label
• Guest book signed by many notable figures
• Garden with apple trees and vines, and a view of Chambéry
• Free admission, audio guide for €1

Permanent exhibition

• Maison de Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Visit to the house where Rousseau stayed with Madame de Warens, and its gardens; a new room on the philosopher’s iconography is due to open in 2027.

Operated by

Ville de Chambéry (musées de la Ville de Chambéry)

Visitors per year

approx. 23,337

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. The Chambéry city museums accept the Elef, Savoy’s local currency. An annual museum pass is available, also valid for guided tours, lectures and audio guides.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The house and its gardens are not accessible to people with reduced mobility. The education department offers tailored visits for people with visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities, to be prepared with the mediators.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Activities for children aged 2–3, 4–6 and 7–12, to discover the house and its gardens. A games booklet for children is available at reception.

Getting there & parking

The house lies in a valley, about five minutes from Chambéry city centre, at 890 chemin des Charmettes.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit