The tower of Montaigne is classified as a historical monument and dates from the 14th century. During a guided tour, you will enter the sanctuary of the famous philosopher and writer, Michel de Montaigne. The visit of the tower is an opportunity to evoke the journey, the philosophy and the importance of places in the life of the humanist Michel de Montaigne, key figure of humanism and high figure of tolerance during the wars of Religion. Removed from public office, he decided to spend «most days of his life, and most hours of the day», to devote himself «to his freedom, his tranquility and his leisure». He built a private chapel, a bedroom and a bookstore where he wrote his famous «Les Essais». The old library still retains the Greek and Latin maxims and sentences written on the beams.
The castle is a 19th century castle, inspired by Viollet-Le-Duc with its mix of neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance styles. Let yourself be transported to this magnificent castle. It was Pierre Magne, a lawyer from Périgueux and then Minister of Finance under Napoleon III, who acquired the estate in 1860 and had it rebuilt like a 19th century castle, witness to architectural styles from different eras. The latter was destroyed in 1885 by fire but rebuilt a year later by the daughter of our minister, Marie Magne.