Château de Coppet

The historic apartments feature signed furniture, old master paintings and objets d’art. The salons preserve the memory of the literary and political gatherings that made Coppet famous, where the great minds of the era met.

Madame de Staël’s bedroom displays her personal belongings and manuscripts, bearing witness to her work as a writer and her political commitment. Jacques Necker’s study recalls his role in the royal finances on the eve of the French Revolution. The library holds rare books and original manuscripts by the writer, and the rooms house Sèvres porcelain and family portraits.

Outside, the century-old park stretches over several hectares facing Lake Geneva. Its French formal gardens offer a stroll with views of the vineyards and the Alpine peaks.

Getting there : Rue de la Gare 2, 1296 Coppet. By train, Lausanne–Geneva line, Coppet stop, then a 5-minute walk. Free parking.

Visit duration : about 1 hour, guided tour.

Audience : the tour is suitable for all ages; the guide adapts the commentary to the audience.

Groups : tours for 15 people or more, booking required at least 2 days in advance.

All visits are guided, so take the opportunity to ask questions about the family and its residents. Allow time after the tour to stroll through the park, which is most pleasant in fine weather and in summer.

This place is part of the selection By Bike, from Castle to Castle along Lake Geneva.

• The Château de Prangins, a large 18th-century château, presents Swiss history through the national collections.
• The Château de Nyon, built in the 12th century, overlooks Lake Geneva and houses a history museum.
• The Pointe à la Bise Nature Centre is a lakeside reserve with reed beds, migratory birds and trails.