Jean-Jacques Rousseau, of Social Contract fame, lived in a house in the Charmettes, just outside of Chambéry, from 1735-1742. He kept a garden and vineyard there while he spent the rest of his time writing. It is open to the public for free and there is also a temporary exposition until December 31 titled “Je ne suis pas à vendre” that includes the showing of the film Crésus.
La Maison
Inside the House
Bedroom
Herb garden and house
View of Chambéry and the Alps
Let’s herbalize (?) with JJ!
I want this archway at my future house.
C’est dommage que les Savoyards ne soient pas riches,
ou peutêtre seroit-ce dommage qu’ils le fussent;
car tels qu’ils sont, c’est le meilleur et le plus sociable peuple que je connoisse.
S’il est une petite Ville au monde où l’on goûte la douceur de la vie
dans un commerce agréable et sur,
c’est Chambéri.
- Rousseau (writing with 18th century orthography)
It is a pity the Savoyards are not rich:
though, perhaps, it would be a still greater pity if they were so,
for altogether they are the best, the most sociable people that I know,
and if there is a little city in the world where the pleasures of life
are experienced in an agreeable and friendly commerce,
it is at Chambery.
