 Construction of "Voltaire" was begun on 26 December 1906 by Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée in La Seyne-sur-Mer and the ship was laid down on 20 July 1907.She was launched on 16 January 1909 and was completed on 5 August 1911.The ship was assigned to the Second Division of the 1st Squadron ("escadre") of the Mediterranean Fleet when she was commissioned.