Ferney-Voltaire Holidays

Ferney-Voltaire is a charming French town with a big personality — think pretty squares, a dash of French flair, and a whole lot of Voltaire-approved history, right next door to Geneva.

Highlights

• 🏰 Home of Voltaire — Walk in the footsteps of France’s greatest thinker.

• 🧀 French village charm — Markets, bakeries, and brasseries galore.

• 🇨🇭 Border-hopping fun — Geneva is just a croissant’s throw away.

• 🌳 Parks and countryside — Ideal for walks, picnics and lazy afternoons.

Getting around

Ferney-Voltaire is petite and walkable, so exploring on foot is half the joy. Wander through its bustling market square, leafy parks and quiet streets lined with classic French townhouses. If you want to hop over to Geneva (literally five minutes away!), regular buses whisk you into the Swiss city centre or to Geneva Airport in a flash. Prefer two wheels? There are cycle paths connecting the town to surrounding countryside and the Swiss border — perfect for a picnic adventure!

Things to do for families in Ferney-Voltaire

Families will love Ferney-Voltaire’s gentle pace and old-world charm. Start at the Château de Voltaire, where kids can roam the gardens and parents can soak up a bit of Enlightenment history (don’t worry, there’s space for them to run off some steam). Pop over to the Saturday market to let little ones pick fresh fruit, cheese and pastries — a picnic at Parc de la Tire is a must. A quick bus ride takes you to Geneva’s lakeside attractions, like the famous Jet d’Eau fountain and the interactive Natural History Museum. Back in Ferney, refuel with crêpes at a local café — Nutella smiles guaranteed.

Things to do for couples in Ferney-Voltaire

Ferney-Voltaire is ideal for couples who want a peaceful escape with a dash of romance and culture. Wander hand-in-hand through the beautiful gardens of the Château de Voltaire and imagine life during the Age of Enlightenment. Pick up fresh cheese and bread at the market, then find a quiet spot in Parc de la Tire for a picnic à deux. Feeling adventurous? Hop on a bus to Geneva for a sunset cruise on Lake Geneva, or sip Swiss wine at a chic lakeside bar. Back in Ferney, settle into a cosy bistro and toast your border-town love story with a glass of Burgundy.

Things to do for groups in Ferney-Voltaire

Travelling with friends? Ferney-Voltaire is a brilliant base for a laid-back group trip. Spend your morning exploring the bustling Saturday market — stock up on fresh produce, pastries, and local delicacies for an epic picnic. Next, take a guided tour of the Château de Voltaire to brush up on your philosophy trivia. If you fancy city vibes, catch a quick bus into Geneva for museums, shopping, or a lakeside aperitif. For something active, rent bikes and ride the gentle trails around Ferney and the Franco-Swiss border countryside. Finish your day at a local brasserie — nothing bonds friends like wine, cheese, and good conversation.

Things to do for foodies in Ferney-Voltaire

Ferney-Voltaire is a quiet hero for foodies who love authentic French flavours with a touch of Swiss sophistication. Kick things off at the legendary Ferney market every Saturday — this is local produce heaven, from artisan cheeses to freshly baked baguettes. Grab a coffee at a pavement café and watch the village wake up. For lunch, dive into a plate of raclette or savour a gooey slice of tarte aux pommes. In the evening, explore Ferney’s cosy restaurants, where menus celebrate seasonal French classics and local Jura wines. Want to brag to your foodie friends? Take a quick hop to Geneva and sample Michelin-starred Swiss dining — the best of both sides of the border!