Visiting Château des Milandes, France

Built in 1489 by François de Caumont, the château was originally a symbol of the Caumont family’s power and wealth in the Dordogne region. However, like many other estates in France at the time, it became embroiled in the religious conflicts that divided the country.

The Wars of Religion were a series of civil wars fought between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots). The château, located in a region where both religious factions had significant influence, would have been affected by the broader conflict. It is likely that the château served as a strategic site for both sides at different times, with the Caumont family possibly taking part in the Catholic cause, as many noble families in the region did.

The Château des Milandes ended up in the hands of the Gontaut-Biron family through marriage. In the late 16th century, following the turmoil of the French Wars of Religion, the château passed from the original owners, the Caumont family, to the Gontaut-Biron family via the union of Catherine de Caumont (a member of the Caumont family) and Jean de Gontaut-Biron, a nobleman from the powerful Gontaut-Biron family.

For centuries, Château des Milandes remained in the Gontaut-Biron family, witnessing the evolution of the region. The castle served not only as a residence but also as a center for social gatherings and cultural events. However, by the early 20th century, the castle fell into disrepair and financial hardship forced the family to sell it.

In 1946, an unexpected chapter unfolded when the legendary American entertainer Josephine Baker entered the scene. Captivated by the castle's beauty and historical significance, Baker purchased it and embarked on an ambitious restoration project. She envisioned the castle as a haven for her growing family, adopting twelve children from all corners of the world. Baker's arrival breathed new life into the Château des Milandes. She transformed the gardens into a vibrant space, hosting lavish parties and artistic performances. The castle resonated with the spirit of internationalism and cultural exchange that Baker championed throughout her career.

Baker's ownership, however, faced financial challenges. Despite her efforts, she was forced to sell the castle in 1969. Though her time at Château des Milandes was relatively brief, it left an indelible mark. Today, the castle serves as a museum dedicated to Baker's life and legacy. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing her costumes, awards, and personal belongings. The Château des Milandes stands as a testament to both its medieval past and the vibrant spirit of Josephine Baker, forever intertwined in its history.

As you have no doubt noticed, we are not displaying any interior images of the Château des Milandes, and this is because photography is not allowed inside the chateau. There are numerous signs that remind you of this, and there are chateau employees on each floor who will immediately remind you that photography is not allowed.

The interior tour of Château des Milandes takes visitors through a fascinating journey of history, art, and personal stories. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by elegant Renaissance-style rooms, each filled with period furniture, tapestries, and decorative touches that reflect the château's 15th-century origins. Highlights include the grand salon, featuring beautiful wood paneling and antique furnishings, and the dining room, where visitors can admire the opulent setting that once hosted grand meals.

The château also houses exhibits that showcase the life of Josephine Baker, who owned the property from 1947. Her personal belongings, photos, and memorabilia are displayed throughout the rooms, offering a glimpse into her remarkable life as a performer, activist, and mother to a large adopted family. The rooms reflect her eclectic tastes, blending her love for African art, jazz, and 20th-century design.

In addition to the rooms dedicated to Josephine Baker, visitors can explore the château’s historic kitchen, family archives, and various art exhibitions that highlight the cultural significance of the estate. The tour provides a deep connection to the château’s history, from its Renaissance beginnings to its transformation into a symbol of diversity and love through Baker's influence.

The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.

NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.