Our History

An innovative therapeutic approach

In 1904, under the leadership of Dr. De Forest, a collaborator in the United States with Dr. Kellogg (inventor of the famous cereals), the domain was acquired by a Christian Adventist movement, pioneering in its comprehensive approach to health. It became a Health Institute known as Sanatorium du Léman. At that time, practices such as hydrotherapy, dietetics, and massages were already in use.

From its inception, La Lignière became recognized for its commitment to prioritizing health in its entirety—biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. Within a few months, a comprehensive project was established, including a health promotion center (healthcare institute, dietary product manufacturing, nursing school), an educational initiative (primary school, publishing house and printing press for spiritual, educational, and health literature), and a spiritual retreat center (chapel and theological school).

This ambitious program has contributed to establishing a diverse, robust, and sustainable venture for La Lignière. For instance, La Lignière pioneered by hiring the first dietitian in French-speaking Switzerland and by establishing the first cardiovascular rehabilitation center in the Francophone region in 1977.

La Lignière is owned by the Société Philanthropique La Lignière and is part of a global network comprising several hundred university centers, hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries worldwide.

Over the years, renowned doctors have contributed to the Clinic's development by perpetuating this innovative therapeutic approach tailored to patients' needs.

The establishment of the Health Center in 1998, followed by the Medical & Therapeutic Center in 2017, and finally the opening of a branch in Crissier in 2021, are essential complements to the inpatient care offered at the Clinic, focusing on prevention and health promotion for the population.

The Estate before the Clinic

Before 1905, the history, location, and environment of this vast estate contributed to its reputation. In the 18th century, it was a dependency of Château de Prangins, owned by Baron Louis-François Guiguer, and later administered by Marc Etienne de Ribeaupierre, whose son became a general in Catherine II's Russian army. In a letter to his father, the son referred to La Lignière as "... a place that I always regard as the promised land, flowing with milk and honey."

In 1775, Voltaire rented the main building of the estate, wishing to spend his final days there to avoid dying on French soil and especially to escape the spirit of fanaticism that he opposed. Thus, as early as the 18th century, this site was known for its enchanting and peaceful environment, conducive to open-mindedness, values that La Lignière continues to uphold today.

To learn more

La Lignière, du néolithique à la Clinique

The book recounting the history of the estate and La Lignière is available for sale at the Clinic reception.

"This work reveals many treasures found in the attics of La Lignière, as well as in the Archives of the Canton of Vaud, Château de Prangins, Haute-Savoie, and even Saint Petersburg!

It is a history of ancient tribes (Lake Dwellers, Helvetians, Burgundians...) who settled there over the centuries. Much later, Voltaire considered dying there; the army general of Catherine II of Russia, Jean-François de Ribaupierre, spent his childhood there; and it was even a hideout for counterfeiters..."

(This book is available only in french)