Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is in the Perigord Pourpre region of south-west Dordogne, about 40 km west of Bergerac.
In countryside surrounded by vines, the small village of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne is mostly notable as being the birthplace of the influential French philosopher Michel Eyquem de Montagne, who was born in the chateau.
The castle was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, and subsequently rebuilt, but the part of the castle where Montaigne was born - a sturdy round stone tower - is a small distance away and survived the fire, and is now open to the public.
You can admire the beams in the tower where Montaigne engraved some of his thoughts, and pondered his most renowned question 'What do I know?' ('Que sais-je?')
Chateau de Montaigne
Also to visit near Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne
The villages of Montpeyroux and Villefranche-de-Lonchat, a little to the north.
Return to Dordogne Towns page
Holidays near Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne: See our Dordogne Gites pages to find a villa, gite or holiday rental near Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne / also Car Hire in Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne
