The rain we’d been experiencing since our arrival in France followed us to Sarlat la Caneda in the Dordogne, so our first few days were a good chance to relax and rest up for the last part of the trip. I was able to take a wander through the old medieval center of Sarlat during a break in the rain. It’s such a maze of narrow streets and alleys that I discover something new every time. When the weather finally started to improve, we decided to visit one of the smaller chateaus in the area; Chateau Milandes.
Some chateaus are known for their architecture, some for their history and some for a particular owner or resident. Chateau Milandes is one of the latter. It is best known today as the former home of the American born dancer and singer, Josephine Baker, who lived in the chateau from 1937 to 1968. Born in St. Louis, she first traveled to France as part of an African American vaudeville troupe. She later returned on her own and achieved her greatest success first as a dancer at the Folies Bergere and later as a singer. Becoming a French citizen, during the war she used her position and fame to aid the French Resistance and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the French Legion of Merit for her services. After the war, she was an active supporter of the U.S. Civil Rights movement and marched along side Martin Luther King during his famous peace march in Washington D.C. It’s amazing the sidelights of history you come across as you travel.
The chateau also does an excellent ‘Birds of Prey’ exhibition that’s worth the admission on its own. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside, so I’ll just have to leave you with exterior pictures.
Love the gardens.