Cartesian Days

Cartesian Days: philosophy in the hometown of Descartes

The town of Descartes, in southern Touraine, bears the name of its most illustrious child: René Descartes, born on March 31, 1596, in a house still visible on the banks of the Creuse. Every year in June, the Cartesian Days celebrate the intellectual heritage of the father of modern philosophy through a program of lectures, visits, and meetings open to all audiences.

High-level conferences accessible to all

The program of the Cartesian Days revolves around four public lectures given by recognized academics and specialists in Cartesian philosophy. Each edition explores a different theme related to Descartes' work and legacy. In 2025, the chosen theme is "Descartes and the Grand Siècle", exploring the links between Cartesian thought and the great intellectual and artistic achievements of 17th-century France. The lectures are designed to be accessible to the general public while offering academic-quality content.

The Museum Space: in the footsteps of the philosopher

The Cartesian Days are an opportunity to discover or rediscover the Museum Space of Descartes, which traces the life and work of the philosopher in his renovated birthplace. The inauguration of new exhibitions and the visit of the permanent collections allow us to delve into the world of the man who revolutionized Western thought with his famous "Cogito ergo sum" – "I think, therefore I am".

A complementary cultural program

Beyond the lectures, the Cartesian Days offer a cultural program including a jazz concert during the official opening, informal exchanges with the speakers, and guided tours of the town. The small Touraine town, with its old houses along the Creuse, its medieval bridge, and its preserved built heritage, offers a charming setting for these intellectual gatherings.

An event rooted in local heritage

The Cartesian Days are part of the promotion of the intellectual heritage of Touraine, the birthplace of many illustrious figures. The event contributes to the cultural influence of the town of Descartes and reminds us that this small commune in southern Touraine was the birthplace of one of the most influential thinkers in the history of Western philosophy, whose work continues to inform contemporary thought in philosophy, mathematics, and science.