Abstract: Although he turned to poetry quite soon, Montaigne perceived himself as a minor poet. On the contrary, he was a reliable judge and really appreciated the other poets more for their powerful inspiration than for their technique. Without neglecting both French and Italian authors, he refers to ancient and neo-latin poets. Montaigne’s declarations about poetry make us think of Rimbaud’s poetic brilliance as well as of the Surrealist searing intensity. Nevertheless, just like Nerval later on, Montaigne also appreciates a more popular poetry.
