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Distance: 10,2 km
Elevation: 90 D +
Departure: SAINT-MICHEL-DE-MONTAIGNE
Loop
Cultural
History
Nature (fauna, flora)
Panels: Yellow
Campaigns

Walking

By mountain bike

Strolling along Duration: 3:30pm Difficulty : Easy
on horseback Duration: 1:40pm Difficulty : Easy
by mountain bike Duration: 1:30pm Difficulty : Easy
At Montaigne ...

Spared by the flames which destroyed part of the castle in 1885, the historic tower of Montaigne stands proudly in the heart of a vast park. It is here, at the gates of purple Périgord, 40 kilometers from Bergerac, that Michel de Montaigne was born and died.
The highlight of this hike is a visit to the Tour de Montaigne. The chapel, the room where Montaigne breathed his last and the library of Montaigne are open to the public. This is where the great humanist wrote his Essays, between 1571 and 1592. The personality of Michel de Montaigne still seems to be present in this intact place. Lawrence of Arabia, who visited it in 1908, recounts his emotion at seeing the "Great Man" library. Before leaving, enjoy the view over the Lidoire valley and the gardens surrounding the castle.

Equipments & services

Others

  • Animals accepted: yes
  • Disabled facilities: no

Update date: 2025-11-17 19:51:29

Points of interest

Eglise de St Michel de Montaigne

Church of St Michel de Montaigne

la place du village

the village place

Le vignoble et les cépages

The vineyard and the grape varieties

chapelle de bonnefare

bonfare chapel

La bataille de castillon

The battle of castillon

La tour de Montaigne

The Montaigne tower

Your itinerary

SAINT-MICHEL-DE-MONTAIGNE

Spared by the flames which destroyed part of the castle in 1885, the historic tower of Montaigne stands proudly in the heart of a vast park. It is here, at the gates of purple Périgord, 40 kilometers from Bergerac, that Michel de Montaigne was born and died.
The highlight of this hike is a visit to the Tour de Montaigne. The chapel, the room where Montaigne breathed his last and the library of Montaigne are open to the public. This is where the great humanist wrote his Essays, between 1571 and 1592. The personality of Michel de Montaigne still seems to be present in this intact place. Lawrence of Arabia, who visited it in 1908, recounts his emotion at seeing the "Great Man" library. Before leaving, enjoy the view over the Lidoire valley and the gardens surrounding the castle.
1

Start date

The route starts from the school parking lot. Turn right onto the D9 road and pass the town hall and then the Château de Montaigne. Continue on the road for about 600m to the next intersection (be careful, stay on the side of the road).
2

Step 2

Turn left then take the first road on the right towards the place called Boisseau to join the dirt road higher up (between the houses).
3

Step 3

Continue straight ahead along the path that descends into the woods, following this path until you reach the road. At the road, turn left and at the next bend, follow the road to the left towards Chai-Neuf.
4

Step 4

Turn right then left to join the limestone path on your right. Follow the path until you exit the woods, then take the path opposite to the tarmac road.
5

Step 5

At the intersection, turn left, then take the first road on the right (with the cross) towards Bonnefare. Take the dead-end road (limestone path) and follow the stone wall on the right. Follow this path until you reach the tarmac road.
6

Step 6

When you reach the road, continue for 50m and follow the path opposite around the bend to pass the vineyards on the left. Stay on this path for about 900m.
7

Step 7

Before entering the hamlet of Les Illarets, take the path on the left through the woods to reach the cemetery.
8

Step 8

After passing the cemetery, turn left onto the tarmac road, continue for 300m and take the path on the right. Cross the road to take the path opposite and continue to the place called Le Giraudon.
9

Step 9

When you reach the road, turn left. At the D9, cross over and take the path opposite towards Fournier. Shortly before the road, turn onto the left path to go back up north, near the Périgourdine house.
10

Step 10

Turn right between the vines then left. Just after the meadow, turn left and continue straight ahead to catch the D9 and return to the starting point.

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