A village made famous by a certain Michel Eyquem de Montaigne ...
Nestling on the border between the Gironde and the Dordogne, located 7 km north of Castillon la Bataille, St Michel de Montaigne is known for its castle where the famous French philosopher, Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (1533-1592) was born and died ; he was also an advisor to Parliament, Mayor of Bordeaux, Gentleman of the Bedchamber for the French King and indefatigable traveller, .
Saint Michel de Montaigne is situated in the "Montravel" wine appellation. As these wines and vineyards date back to the Crusades, Michel de Montaigne must surely have contemplated their descendants from his tower when writing his essays. The area is a winegrowing one and Montravel has the distinctiveness of growing on south-facing slopes which enjoy optimal sunshine and are perfectly suited to the quality of our region's wines.
A church classified as a historical monument
The village comprises a great expanse of forest and has, as such, always been mainly agricultural and viticultural. The vines are ideally located on a well-exposed plateau and produce premium-quality wine.
In the village, you will discover the 12th-century church, which is a listed Historical Monument. The vault, from the main door to the dome, fell following a fire during the Wars of Religion. The current-day vault was restored at the beginning of the 17th century thanks to financing left by de Montaigne's wife.