Michel de Montaigne Castle Emblematic monument of the Dordogne

Opening hours

Closed

  • Monday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am - 05:00 pm

Opens Friday at 10:30 am

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Useful information

Location : In the countryside

Province : Purple Périgord

Services

  • Cash
  • Credit card accepted
  • Groups
  • Open all year round
  • Parking
  • open 7/7
  • English
    • MONTAIGNE CASTLE AND TOWER IN SAINT-MICHEL-DE-MONTAIGNE

      The Château and the Tower of Montaigne, located in Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, are emblematic monuments of the Dordogne, in New Aquitaine.

      Known for being the place where the famous philosopher Michel de Montaigne wrote his "Essais", this site offers a fascinating dive into the history and thought of the Renaissance.

      History of the Château de Montaigne

      Michel de Montaigne spent a large part of his life in this castle, transformed into a family home in the 15th century by his great-grandfather, Ramon Eyquem.

      The castle, rebuilt after a fire in 1885, today has a neo-Renaissance style. Only Montaigne's Tower, where the philosopher had his library and wrote his "Essays", survived the flames and retains its 16th century appearance.

      Montaigne’s Tower : A place of meditation

      The Tour de Montaigne is a listed historical monument

      It is here that Michel de Montaigne retired to meditate and write. The tower, made up of several rooms, reflects the studious and peaceful atmosphere in which he lived. Visitors can explore the library , where Montaigne had classical quotations engraved on the ceiling joists, offering a unique insight into his intellectual world including his famous motto “Que sais-je?” ".

      The guided tour of the castle , rebuilt in 1886 and fully furnished in the period, offers a total immersion in the bourgeois and social life of the Belle Époque.

      Guided tours and activities

      Guided tours of the Château de Montaigne and the Tour de Montaigne allow you to discover the history of the site, the life of Michel de Montaigne, as well as his work and his philosophy. Tours are available in French and English, and last approximately 45 minutes. The castle also has :

      • Shop : offering souvenirs, books and local products
      • Games area : for families with children.

      The castle park

      The Château de Montaigne park is a protected garden as a Historic Monument.

      Its routes, designed by Montaigne himself, offer a peaceful and contemplative walk. Shaded paths, flower beds and century-old trees create an enchanting setting for visitors.

      Discoveries around Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne

      Within a 30 km radius around Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, several sites of interest are worth a visit.

      Saint Emilion

      20 km from Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Saint-Émilion is an unmissable destination. This medieval village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its vineyards and architectural heritage, including monolithic churches and catacombs.

      Local markets

      Local markets are a great way to discover the region's gastronomy. The Castillon-la-Bataille market, 15 km away, offers a wide range of fresh produce, cheeses and cold meats. 25 km away, the Libourne market is one of the largest and liveliest in the region, with colorful and varied stalls.

      Small producers

      The region is home to many small producers offering quality local products. For example, Ferme de la Valouze, 10 km away, offers organic products and homemade specialties such as jams and seasonal vegetables. The local winery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavors of the Dordogne.

      Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne : a picturesque village to discover

      Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, located in the Dordogne department in New Aquitaine, is a village full of charm and historical riches. Known for being the birthplace and residence of Michel de Montaigne, one of the most famous French philosophers, this village offers an ideal setting for lovers of nature, history and gastronomy. Here is a complete guide to discover Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne and its surroundings within a 30 km radius.

      A historic village

      Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is mainly famous for its castle, where Michel de Montaigne wrote his famous "Essais". The Château de Montaigne, renovated in the 19th century, retains an authentic medieval tower in which Montaigne had set up his library. This tower is open to tours and offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of this great writer.

      Discovering landscapes and hikes

      The surrounding area of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is dotted with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the rolling countryside and vineyards. Here are some routes not to be missed:

        • Boucle de Montaigne : A 10 km hike around the village which passes through forests, vineyards and small hamlets, offering a varied and picturesque panorama.
        • The Camino de Santiago : A section of this famous pilgrimage trail passes through the region, providing an enriching hiking experience for walkers of all abilities.
        • Sentier des Moulins : An 8 km circuit that runs along rivers and old mills, perfect for a leisurely walk with the family.

      Nearby places of interest

      The village of Saint-Émilion

      Just 20 km from Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its vineyards and historical heritage. Don't miss visiting the monoliths of Saint-Émilion, churches and catacombs carved into the rock.

      The Cordeliers Cloister

      Located 25 km away, the Cloître des Cordeliers in Saint-Émilion is another remarkable site. This medieval cloister offers guided tours and tastings of sparkling wines produced in the underground cellars.

      Local markets and small producers

      The region around Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is renowned for its gastronomy and local products. Here are some markets and producers to discover :

      Local markets :

        • Castillon-la-Bataille Market : Located 15 km away, this weekly market offers a variety of fresh produce, local cheeses, cold meats and wines
        • Libourne Market : 25 km away, this large market is held three times a week and is one of the liveliest in the region

      Small producers :

        • Domaine de Montaigne : Located near the castle, this wine estate offers tours and tastings of its renowned wines
        • La Ferme de la Valouze : 10 km away, this family farm offers organic products, seasonal vegetables, homemade jams and fresh eggs
        • Les Délices de la Vézère : A local producer of foie gras and duck specialties

      Hobbies

      Canoeing on the Dordogne

      For water sports enthusiasts, the Dordogne offers canoeing opportunities just 30 km from Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne. Excursions on the river allow you to discover the region from a different perspective, passing through preserved natural landscapes and historic sites.

      Wine tours

      The region is also famous for its vineyards. Many wine tours are offered in the surrounding wine estates, allowing you to discover the winemaking processes and taste quality wines.

  • Français

Traveller Reviews Michel de Montaigne Castle

4.7 sur 5 9 reviews

  • NOUNOU “Nounou8747” 8747

    5 sur 5 Reviews posted by NOUNOU “Nounou8747” 8747 on 14/08/2024

    You can see it from afar because it is so magnificent and you can't help but go and visit it. We were not disappointed and the guided tour of this place took us right into the era. Bravo to our little guide who took us back in time. A must see

  • Petr Podrázký

    5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Petr Podrázký on 03/12/2023

    Random short visit just before closing time. It was very pleasant in the park and in M. de Montaigne's tower

  • Paul Pérucaud (Chaktori Chaktori)

    4 sur 5 Reviews posted by Paul Pérucaud (Chaktori Chaktori) on 12/12/2022

    Pleasant welcome, we quickly explain the conditions of visit, accessible on foot from the village.

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Michel de Montaigne Castle

Address

Château Michel de Montaigne
24230 Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne

GPS coordinates

44° 52'33.91"N, 0° 1'48.58"E

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