Discover the Château des Milandes, former home of Josephine Baker
Located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Dordogne, the Château des Milandes is a castle in the Dordogne best known for being the home of Josephine Baker. Indeed, she settled there in 1937 and rented it for 10 years before buying it with her husband Jo Bouillon ten years later. During all these years, she had work done in this house dating from the Renaissance to install running water, electricity, central heating and thus, welcome her 12 adopted children. Unfortunately, in 1964, it had to be put up for auction due to Josephine Baker’s serious financial problems and was sold in 1968. Several families succeeded one another until Claude de Labarre and his daughter, Angélique, the current owners, acquired the estate in 2001.
A HOUSE LABELLED “MAISON DES ILLUSTRES
It was in the Middle Ages, in 1489, that this property and its charming garden were built. At that time, it belonged to the de Caumont family. Over the centuries, several owners have taken up residence here. And in 1986, part of the Château des Milandes was listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques (its facades, roofs and its upper terrace which enjoys a magnificent view of the Dordogne valley). Then, in 2009, the Ministry of Culture registered it in its entirety as a Historic Monument. And in 2012, it received the Maison des Illustres label because it was for many years the home of Josephine Baker, an artist with an extraordinary destiny! Moreover, by visiting this building, one plunges into the universe of its most famous owner. Dresses, decoration, furniture, photos … its presence is everywhere!
MORE THAN 500 YEARS OF HISTORY TO DISCOVER
If you come to spend your vacations in Dordogne in our campsite, this place is one of the monuments that you must see! For the visits, you should know that the opening to the public of the Château des Milandes often starts in spring until the end of the year. Schedules vary according to the period, so it is better to get information before going. The same goes for the rates since there are several offers. In addition to the interior of the Castle, you can walk through the Park and the Garden (opening hours are the same). During your visit, do not miss the show of the birds of prey. There are about 70 of them living in the domain and this animation allows you to discover the links between them and their falconers. Also note that inside, photographs are not allowed. The magnificent dungeon will certainly leave you with a nice memory with the view over the gardens.
For more information on prices and opening dates, we suggest you visit the website of the domain. And if you have any questions during your camping stay in the Dordogne, don’t hesitate to come and see us at the reception !
Want to visit a historical monument during your vacations in the Dordogne department? Don’t miss the castle of Beynac, a fortified castle that played an important role during the Hundred Years’ War, but also the Roque Gageac and the remains of its fortress, the medieval city of Sarlat and the most beautiful villages of France!
