The Chateau de Lavigny is a historic house built in 1770 by Gabriel-Henri de Mestral, seigneur de Lavigny, on the site of a former fortified house. It is situated in a small village between Geneva and Lausanne, overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps.
The writers residence opens from May to October. The Chateau is provided with five bedrooms and is able to host a maximum of six writers. Common areas of the Château are shared as well as the gardens.
Château de Lavigny became the property of German publisher Heinrich Maria Ledig-Rowohlt and his wife Jane in 1972. Initially used as a Holliday home, they moved there permanently in 1983 when Heinrich retired. They lived there together until Heinrich's death in 1992.
The Chateau offers different kind of residencies
“It would be an understatement to say that my stint at Chateau de Lavigny was pleasant. Actually, it was one of the most fruitful periods of my life, which resulted in poems and essayistic pieces, to say nothing about acquaintances and personal friendships I have struck there. I consider the Château de Lavigny to be a locality of immense significance for European and world culture. It definitely merits every support.”
“ Je suis sur les pages ultimes du texte que j’ai écrit dans le château enchanteur et sublime de Lavigny. L’énergie, la force que j’y ai retrouvées (celles de mon enfance, puisées dans la nature, parmi les arbres, les fleurs sauvages de ma campagne avant les affres de la sécheresse…), cette énergie donc continuera encore et pendant longtemps de nourrir ma plume et mes rêves.
“La route des clameurs” est né à Lavigny. A Lavigny réside une partie de mon âme d’écrivain. Je n’oublierai jamais. ”
