Invitation to a famous home

A new "Maison des Illustres" label now accredits famous homes that have been the residence of artistic and political personalities who have marked French history. These places often hold souvenirs of their famous inhabitants and offer visitors a more intimate view of History.

To date, 111 homes where illustrious people were born, lived and died have received this accreditation. Granted for a period of 5 years, the label is given to places with a cultural memory and that are open at least 40 days a year.

So far, Aquitaine has six "Maisons des Illustres": 

    - In Gironde: the Centre François Mauriac in Malagar (François Mauriac) and Château de La Brède (Montesquieu)
    - In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques: Château d’Abbadia in Hendaye (Antoine d’Abbadie)

    - In Dordogne: Château de Hautefort (Bertran de Born) and the tower of Château de Montaigne (Michel de Montaigne)
    - In the Lot-et-Garonne: château-museum Henri IV in Nérac (Jeanne d’Albret, Marguerite d’Angoulême)

Find information about these places at The Culture Ministry's website.

(Photo credit: CRTA - Alain Béguerie).