On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, we invite you to discover the castle and the domain of Montesquieu in a new light!
For the first time, the interior of the castle will be accessible to all ticket holders without a guided tour in the afternoons (reduced rate). For those who wish, our guides will be available on each floor of the castle to provide historical lighting and answer your questions.
Built as early as the 14th century on the ruins of an older castle, the monument underwent several alterations and improvements until the 19th century, while retaining its medieval fortress appearance, reflected in the wide moat that surrounds it.
Charles Louis de Secondat, better known as Montesquieu, was deeply attached to the family castle of La Brède. The inner tour will allow you to follow the steps of the writer through the emblematic places where he worked, including his library and his room, preserved in their 18th century state. The chapel and the salons also reveal the wealth of collections and furniture collected by the family over the years.
A place of relaxation and creation, the castle was the refuge of Montesquieu throughout his life, where he composed a large part of his work, including «The Persian Letters» (1721), «Considerations on the cause of the greatness of the Romans and their decadence» (1734), and "Of the Spirit of the Laws" (1748). The estate remained the property of the Montesquieu family for nearly 900 years, until the death of the Countess de Chabannes in 2004.
Follow the guide and immerse yourself in the intimacy of one of the major philosophers of the 18th century. The discovery of the farmyard will add a playful touch to the day for families and the youngest.