Chateau des Milandes - Dordogne

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Chateau des Milandes, Castle, Dordogne, France

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Visit Chateau des Milandes

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 by the legendary music hall star Josephine Baker - unusually among Dordogne chateau, the most famous era in its history is the 20th century.

Exploring Chateau des Milandes

The chateau is one of the prettier of the chateaux in this area, and is surrounded by attractive gardens. The exterior of the chateau has everything - turrets, pointy roofs, mullioned windows, stained glass windows, gargoyles - but it is all put together in a beautifully harmonious way.

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 commemorating the life of Josephine, which started in the back street clubs of New York, and progressed to France where she was very well received and where she played a significant role in the resistance during World War 2.

Among the displays is her notorious dress made from bananas which she wore at the 'Folies Bergère' in 1928 and stage outfits that she wore at 'Olympia' and the 'Casino de Paris'. You can also hear some recordings of her singing as you tour the chateau.

Art deco was the prominant style at the time of Josephine Baker's restoration of the chateau and 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. There is also a restaurant selling snacks and simple meals.

Most of the chateaux in the Dordogne would be cold, draughty and decidedly uncomfortable to live in - this one would be an absolute joy. It really is lovely.

Josephine Baker

Josephine started life in a poor family in Missouri, USA. She found work as a dresser in a theatre company and one evening stood in for one of the dancers. At the age of 14 her acting career began. She was spotted by Caroline Dudley who was looking for black artists to star in a new Paris revue. The Revue Negre played at the Theatre des Champs Elysées and Josephine became a star whilst dancing nearly naked.

In 1930 Josephine added singing to her career. She became very wealthy and very generous and donated widely to charities. During the war Josephine used her ability to travel freely as an entertainer to smuggle out secret documents and she also helped refugees to leave France. She was decorated with the French Legion medal for her bravery.

In 1947 Josephine bought Chateau des Milandes and renovated it. She began her famous 'rainbow tribe' adopting children from different nationalities and religions.

However Josephine's generosity and naivety led to bankruptcy and she had to sell the castle.

Places to Visit near to Chateau des Milandes

The wonderful Chateau de Castelnaud is very closeby. This is a big contrast to Chateau Milandes as it has been built for defensive purposes and now has some excellent displays of medieval weaponry.

You can also visit the Dordogne castles and chateau at Dordogne castles and chateaux, now with an interactive map.