Josephine Baker’s Chateau des Milandes in Dordogne
Nestled in the picturesque Dordogne region of France lies Château des Milandes, a stunning Renaissance château renowned for being the home of the iconic artist and activist Josephine Baker. This château, with its rich history and architectural beauty, stands today as both a cultural landmark and a living museum dedicated to Baker’s extraordinary life and legacy.
An Architectural Gem
Built in 1489, Château des Milandes is a prime example of Gothic-Renaissance style, featuring slender towers, ornate details, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Dordogne River and is surrounded by lush gardens that retain much of their original design. Originally home to the Caumont family, the château gained its most famous resident when Josephine Baker purchased it in 1947.
The château has been meticulously restored over the years, and visitors today can experience both its beautiful surroundings and the interior as it was during Baker’s time. Many of her personal belongings, including furniture and costumes, are on display, like the iconic banan skirt. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, so you’ll have to visit to see it for yourself!
While you walk around, you get to listen to her story from her humble beginnings in the US and how she managed to become a superstar.
An unforgettable artist and activist
Born in St. Louis in 1906, Josephine Baker overcame immense hardships to become one of Paris’s most celebrated artists in the 1920s. Known for her electrifying performances and iconic outfits, like the famous banana skirt, Baker was a trailblazer in dance and music.
But her life was much more than glamorous performances. Baker was a human rights advocate and a hero of the French Resistance during World War II. She adopted 12 children from diverse backgrounds, creating what she called her “rainbow family” to demonstrate that people of different ethnicities and cultures could live together in harmony.
A Dream of Peace and Unity
For Baker, Château des Milandes was more than just a home; it was a symbol of her values and visions. Here, she raised her children and aimed to create an environment that showcased the world’s diversity. The château also served as a cultural center, where Baker hosted performances and welcomed visitors to promote understanding between different cultures.
During World War II, the château played a crucial role as Baker used her status as a traveling artist to smuggle messages and support the Allied forces. Her efforts earned her several honors, including the French Legion of Honor. In 2021, she became the first Black woman to be inducted into the Panthéon in Paris, one of France’s highest honors.
Château des Milandes today
Today, the château is open to the public, offering a unique experience for visitors. Through interactive exhibitions, you can learn about Baker’s incredible life and work. The château’s garden, designed in classic French style, is also a popular attraction, and during the summer, you can enjoy falconry displays.
Dordogne is filled with châteaux and sights to see. I highly recommend visiting Château des Milandes and using the town of Sarlat as your base. The whole Dordogne Valley is packed with chateau’s to visit as well as picturesque villages, often clinging to a cliffside.
Dordogne is also home to famous foods and wine, and prehistoric caves and dwellings.
A visit to Château des Milandes should definitely be on your list!
In the garden you can also visit a falconry show where you can see well trained birds performing tricks.
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