Built at the end of the 15th century and later transformed by François de Caumont out of love for his wife, the Chateau des Milandes became famous thanks to Joséphine Baker who acquired it in 1937. Often called a “woman's castle” because of its history and its architecture with soft and harmonious lines, it perfectly combines the spirit of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
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| Chateau des Milandes |
A stately chapel to the south of the castle was built in 1503. True gem of Gothic art, this funeral chapel chapel, mutilated during the Revolution, is now under restoration.
During excavations inside the building, 16th century paintings and wall frescoes were discovered; a true unsuspected and inestimable treasure. A painting restoration project has been launched by the owner of the castle, to safeguard this heritage.
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| Chapel, Chateau des Milandes |
Let’s not forget the architectural beauty of the Château des Milandes with its delicate, regular and elegant lines and its typically Gothic south facade with a mixture of Renaissance and large mullioned windows. The spirit of the Middle Ages is not to be outdone with its towers, gargoyles and machicolations.
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| Chateau des Milandes |
The house is now converted into a museum dedicated to the career and life of Joséphine Baker, who chose to reside here for nearly 30 years, becoming one of the pioneers of tourism in Périgord.
Visiting the interiors is like exploring the many aspects of the life of the famous music-hall artist. Her beautiful galas dresses are on display: feathers and sequins will immerse you in the atmosphere of the cabaret! Her music echoes in the background. Other rooms feature various show posters, her famous banana belt and photos of her on stage.
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| Josephine Baker |
Then, on the second floor, you will enter the bedrooms of her many children. Everything is there: the beds, the games, the intimate photos of her daily life surrounded by her family!
Another room tell us about her commitment during the Second World War; photos and medals echo each other. And finally, the kitchen is adorned with playful and self-taught tiling to teach her children about fruits, vegetables and animals! The kitchen also displays the sale of the castle with extracts from the local and national press.
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| Josephine Baker |
The memory of Josephine lives in the castle and her personality still resonates through the walls. A visit is the perfect opportunity to discover an accomplished artist and a dedicated and committed woman!
The surrounding park is perfectly maintained; the perspectives expertly worked by Jules Vacherot in 1908, form a grandiose picture with the castle as a backdrop. The trees, the boxwoods, the yews, the multicolored flowers, and the water jets are a wonderful invitation to calm and relax in a timeless setting.
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