Was Montesquieu really born in this château?

Yes, he was born there in 1689 and lived there regularly throughout his life.

Can visitors see Montesquieu's bedroom?

Yes, it is preserved in its 18th-century state and is open to visitors.

How long does the visit take?

The visit lasts about one hour.

Does the château still belong to the Montesquieu family?

No, since 2004 it has belonged to a private foundation created after the death of the writer's last descendant.

Château de la Brède

La Brède

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €11
Child: €7
Reduced: €9

Free for Children under 7

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Visit duration: 60 min
Where: La Brède

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Château de La Brède stands in La Brède (Gironde), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 19th century). Adult admission costs 11 EUR. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Surrounded by water-filled moats, this medieval fortress owes its renown to a famous resident: Montesquieu was born here in 1689 and wrote much of his work here, including The Spirit of the Laws. The visit includes the writer's library, a remnant of the château rebuilt in the early 14th century, and his bedroom, preserved in its 18th-century state. The building's polygonal layout, remains of its defensive system, and the park crossed by canals complete the visit.

What to know

The guided tour lasts about one hour.
The adult ticket costs 11 euros.
The entire estate has been listed as a historic monument since 2008.
Montesquieu's library can be visited, though the original books have been transferred to Bordeaux's municipal library.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 4 mars au 31 mai: du mercredi au dimanche et jours fériés, 14h-18h (fermé lundi et mardi), ouvert exceptionnellement le 6 avril et le 25 mai
du 1er au 30 juin: du mercredi au dimanche et jours fériés, 14h-18h30 (fermé lundi et mardi)
du 1er juillet au 31 août: tous les jours sauf lundi, 10h-18h30
du 1er au 30 septembre: du mercredi au dimanche, 10h-18h30 (fermé lundi et mardi)
du 1er octobre au 15 novembre: du mercredi au dimanche, 14h-17h30 (fermé lundi et mardi)

Annual closures : Monday and Tuesday (closed all year except in July-August when only Monday is closed)

Prices

Adult: €11
Child: €7
Reduced: €9

Free for Children under 7

Visit duration: 60 min
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

On site

Gift shop

Where this château is

La Brède · Gironde · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de La Brède

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Avenue du Château, 33650 La Brède

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 5 56 78 47 72

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record MDI013
Period of construction: 14th century, 19th century

Frequently asked

Château de la Brède: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €11. Child: €7. Reduced: €9. Free for: children under 7.
Was Montesquieu really born in this château?: Yes, he was born there in 1689 and lived there regularly throughout his life.
Can visitors see Montesquieu's bedroom?: Yes, it is preserved in its 18th-century state and is open to visitors.
How long does the visit take?: The visit lasts about one hour.
Does the château still belong to the Montesquieu family?: No, since 2004 it has belonged to a private foundation created after the death of the writer's last descendant.