In the charming alleys of old Bordeaux, at 23 Rue de la Rousselle, there lies a hidden gem of local history: the family home of Montaigne. This 15th-century building, listed as a historical monument since 1991, was the residence of the famous philosopher Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, author of the Essays and mayor of Bordeaux from 1581 to 1585. It’s here that he was born in 1533, got married in 1565, and spent time during his stays in Bordeaux, especially during his time in office.
The House of Montaigne in Bordeaux: The Memory of a Humanist and Urban Heritage
In the 16th century, the Montaigne family owned a whole set of homes and warehouses along Rue de la Rousselle and Rue de Sarlac. The house, behind a simple 18th-century facade, hides precious remnants: a large room with exposed beams, a fireplace, a polygonal turret, and a chapel. The spaces at the back of the house were likely former warehouses, reminding us of the commercial prosperity of the Eyquem family.
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Today, a discreet site full of meaning
While the house of Montaigne does not open its doors to the public, one can still admire its facade and the commemorative plaque. It remains a strong anchor point for Bordeaux's cultural identity. It reminds us that Bordeaux was the stage for humanist thought, dialogue, and tolerance championed by Montaigne. This place, though discreet, attracts curious souls, literature lovers, and locals in search of history. It embodies the memory of a man who left a significant mark on the city with his commitment and open-mindedness.
