pink flower beds in front of chateau des milandes

looking across the lawns to chateau des milandes

the small chapel at chateau des milandes

the exterior of chateau des milandes from the front

the side of the exterior of chateau des milandes

looking towards the chateau at two gargoyles

Looking at the chateau reflected in a lake

Chateau des Milandes, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Former residence of Josephine Baker, star of the Paris Foiles Bergère show

featured in Sights & sites

This captivating château was built in 1489 in a Renaissance style with magnificent Gothic elements. It has classical turrets, a newel staircase and protruding gargoyle sculptures and large windows decorated with splendid stained glass.

When the entertainer, Josephine Baker visited in the 1940s, it had been well-restored, and she was charmed, buying the château and hamlet in 1947. She made it one of the most luxurious residences around, installing a heating system, six new bathrooms and an American fridge in the huge kitchen. She also created an amusement park with mini-golf, a J-shaped swimming pool, a restaurant and many theatres. This avant-garde effort was opened to the public attracting thousands of visitors.

Today, there are a few of her costumes still remaining on display. The château also holds falconry displays and has a pleasant restaurant

Worth knowing

The falconry show is included in your ticket price and held at regular intervals. You may even get the chance to see the birds up close and personal and have one land on your arm!

Who should go

This is great for all the family, with historic interest for the those who are keen to know more, beautiful gardens for those with green fingers and a bird of prey display for adults and children alike.

Visitor comments

"Chateau des Milandes was the home of Josephine Baker and tells the extraordinary story of her work in the French resistance during the Second World War for which she received a French military honour, the Croix de guerre. Before entering the Chateau we also enjoyed a Falconry display in the beautiful grounds. A lovely tea shop provides meal snacks and drinks." - Trip Advisor
"I only knew a little about Josephine Baker but after seeing the Chateau and learning about her story she was such an amazing person. Her Chateau is not only beautiful on the outside but it was beautifully furnished as well. Also the grounds around the Chateau were amazing. I loved seeing her many costumes. After taking a self-guided tour we stayed for the Birds of Prey demonstration. It was a very enjoyable day. We went to Chateau Castelnaud in the morning and this Chateau in the afternoon." - Trip Advisor
"Visited en famille in the height of summer and spent a lovely couple of hours walking around the chateau listening to the audio explanations of the castle's history. In summary, a black American stage singer, Josephine Baker, bought it in 1947 and became the lady of the manor. Josephine's life was far from straight forward but for more details you'll need to visit the chateau! Highly recommended. Get the audio and watch the bird show!" - Trip Advisor

Read out own reporter review of a trip to Chateau des Milandes here.

When to come

Open from March until November. Days and times may vary from month to month.
End of March to end of May: 10:00 to 18:30
June to mid-July: 10:00 to 19:00
Mid-July to end of August: 09:30 to 19:30
September: 10:00 to 19:00
October: 10:00 to 18:30
End October to mid-November: 10:00 to 18:00