Home of a great aristocratic family until 1789, the Château des Milandes, located in an enchanting setting in the Périgord, is known throughout the world for having been the home of one of the most famous women of the 20th century, Josephine Baker.
Home of a great aristocratic family until 1789, the Château des Milandes, located in an enchanting setting in the Périgord, is known throughout the world for having been the home of one of the most famous women of the 20th century, Josephine Baker.
The young Josephine Baker was born on June 3, 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in a world far removed from the world of glitter and fairy-tale castles. Her childhood was marked by the segregation and discrimination experienced by people of colour in turn-of-the-century America.
Very quickly attracted by dance, the granddaughter, with a cheerful and optimistic temperament, organizes secret shows for her friends. At the age of 14, she left her family to live from her passion.
In 1925, she was finally spotted and left for Paris to present a brand new show: the Revue Nègre. It was an immediate success; the whole of Paris jostled to see her dance. Soon, she was also consecrated as a singer thanks to her song "J'ai deux amours: mon pays et Paris. "In this city, much more tolerant and joyful than the United States, she blossomed and opened a cabaret that sold out every night.
During the Second World War, Josephine joined the Resistance. She uses her status as an international star to circulate freely and hide coded messages in her scores. Of all the struggles, she will then use her fame to fight against racism and defend this "human race" in which she believes so much.
Very attached to this place since the 1930s, she decided to create a "World Village" by adopting 12 children of different origins and confessions to prove to the whole world that people can live in perfect harmony. For this beautiful family, the 1950s were a particularly happy period during which Josephine and her husband developed the castle into a real tourist complex useful for the whole village.
Unfortunately, the generosity of the artist very quickly took its toll on her fortune. In 1968, the castle was seized and Joséphine, who was organizing a real siege, was finally driven out. After a triumphant return to the Casino de Paris, she died on April 12th 1975 at the age of 69, leaving behind her an invaluable artistic legacy. To this day, her 12 children still regularly visit the Château des Milandes to recall the memories of a childhood which this very special mother knew how to make very beautiful.
Labelled "Maison des Illustres", the Château des Milandes preserves intact the memory of Josephine's presence to such an extent that it would not be surprising to see her appear. Kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom: the visitor is immersed in the intimacy and daily life of this great lady of the music hall. A collection of stage costumes and personal objects of the artist is also presented and gives the visit an extra touch of emotion.
Outside, visitors discover sumptuous formal gardens imagined at the beginning of the 20th century by Jules Vacherot, the landscape architect known for having created the Trocadero gardens in Paris. Today, 60 species of birds of prey live in this 6-hectare park and offer visitors a mesmerizing spectacle.
For all those curious to discover the personality of Josephine Baker or, more generally, heritage lovers, this castle is a must in Périgord with its Renaissance architecture reminiscent of fairy tale castles. Its gardens, its surroundings, its spectacle of birds of prey and its brewery are also worth the detour.
To find out more and book your tickets, it's here.
Berengère for Comme des Français
___
Discover other beautiful places inhabited by celebrities:
