Built in 1599 the Domaine du Crest de Vaulx stands before you. This manor house in the hamlet of Vernaz boasts a rich history. It wasn’t always known for its quiet charm. The Domaine du Crest de Vaulx once hosted illustrious guests. One such guest was the renowned animal painter Jean Huber. He lived there until 1776. Voltaire a frequent visitor to Huber would stop by. He would buy oats for his horses in nearby Monthoux. Voltaire’s visits inspired Huber’s art. The Empress Catherine the Great of Russia even bought a collection of Huber’s works.
The Domaine du Crest de Vaulx wasn’t just a haven for painters. Nearly a century and a half after Huber another talented artist Emile Bressler settled nearby. Famous musicians also graced the Domaine du Crest de Vaulx. Aloïs Moser the conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow was born there. The internationally acclaimed singer Clotilde Bressler Gianoli lived there from 1900 to 1912.
The Domaine du Crest de Vaulx’s story is a testament to its enduring appeal. It attracted creative spirits for centuries. From painters to musicians its legacy endures. The quiet manor stands as a reminder of a vibrant past. Imagine the conversations that echoed within its walls. Envision the creative energy that flowed through its rooms. Today the Domaine du Crest de Vaulx remains a testament to the artistic heritage of the region. A place where history art and music intertwine. This is more than a building. It’s a living memory. A chapter in the story of Vernaz and Geneva.