Patrimonial testimonies of writers and artists, in the scenic Dordogne region
Over the centuries, the Dordogne valley has testified to a patrimonial and cultural heritage passed down by writers and artists.
Château Michel de Montaigne
It's on the outskirts of the Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne village that the Renaissance philosopher, who gave his name to the 16th century château, but also to one of the most elegant avenues in Paris, wrote his « Essais ». While waiting for the renovation program to be finished and to discover the reception rooms and living quarters, only the tower and the chapel of this private estate are open to visitors.
Event though the facade and the roof are in rather good shape, donations will allow you to participate in the inside renovation. © DR
Unsigned, this 19th century engraving is the most resembling portrait of Michel de Montaigne. © DR
Josephine Baker, at the Château des Milandes
Comprising medieval architectural elements, the château, that was the residence of the famous Franco-American show girl during the Roaring Twenties, pays her hommage with a permanent exhibition. At Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, this « Maison des Illustres » enhanced by the « Music-Hall Room», a « Costume Room » and a French-style garden also offers stunning spectacles of falconry.
Take the time to enjoy a complete visit, the venue has so much to offer in terms of culture. © DR
Known for her eccentricity and her role as a resistant during World War II, the singer leaves behind her many successful songs. © DR
Château de Fénelon
Close to Sun King Louis XIV, the priest writer François de Salignac de La Mothe-Fénelon, aka Fénelon, is the author of « The Adventures of Télémaque ». He has left to posterity a huge medieval fortress, in Sainte-Mondane. Considered one of the most handsome châteaux of the Périgord, here you can admire a collection of arms, armors, furniture and art objects dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Behind its massive towers, the château shelters tapestries and a cabinet of curiosities offering you a journey through time. © DR
A great writer in his time, Fénelon was one of the « Spirit of Enlightenment » precursors . © DR
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