Chateau des Milandes, Castelnaud-de-la-Chapelle
Francois de Caumont, owner of castle Castelnaud, had the chateau des Milandes built in the 15th century for his young wife, who found Castelnaud rather cold and unwelcoming. It is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, with attractive stonework and period features.
Chateau des Milandes fell into ruin after the French Revolution but was famously restored in the 1930's by the legendary music hall star Josephine Baker - unusually among Dordogne chateau, the most famous era in its history is the 20th century.
The chateau is one of the prettier of the chateaux in this area, and is surrounded by a attractive gardens. The interior is now restored and maintained in the 1930's style in which Josephine Baker decorated it.
In addition, there are exhibitions and displays commemmorating the life of Josephine, which started in the back street clubs of New York, where she infamously danced in a dress made from bananas, and progressed to France where she was very well received and where she played a significant role in the resistance during World War 2.
One of the highlights is the art deco bathrooms, another the ornately decorated art-deco bedrooms
Sadly, debts forced Josephine Baker to sell the chateau later on, but it is pleasing now that the chateau should be a tribute to Josephine and her action-packed life.
Falconry was an integral part of life in the Middle-Ages and during April to October there is a falconry display at the Chateau des Milandes.
