Chateau de Montaigne, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne
This château sits sits on the borders of the Bordeaux and the Périgord areas, within the Dordogne region
The home and birth place of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), he was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularising the essay as a literary genre.
Dating back to the 14th century, this château has been rebuilt several times, particularly after the huge fire in 1885. The château tower, saved from the flames, was Montaigne's refuge and can be visited, although the château itself is a private property.
The first floor houses the bedroom of Michel de Montaigne, where he died in 1592, but most importantly you must visit the library where he wrote much of his famous 'essays'. Some of the engravings he made on the beams of the library still remain.
On the ground floor, there is a pretty chapel dedicated to Saint Michael.
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How to book
There is no need to reserve for the tour of the tower. However you must reserve in advance for a group booking and for a tour of the castle, which is only available by group booking.
