Voltaire died in this hotel on the 30 May, 1778. The owner, the Marquis de Villette, friend and admirer of the philosopher, had the Quai named after him. In one of his salons, he had a small theatre created for Voltaire, with mezzanine dressing rooms hidden behind two double doors.

The adjacent salon had a remarkable Zodiac Ceiling that had been crudely repainted in the nineteenth century. Our work consisted of removing the repaints and restoring the ceiling to its original perspective and brightness worthy of the Age of Enlightenment.

It was with great emotion that we participated in perpetuating such a mythical place. A child’s dream come true.