Discovering the Château des Milandes in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle!

Castelnaud la Chapelle
Culture and Heritage

Do you know Josephine Baker? A fantastic icon of the Roaring Twenties, magazine leader, singer, resistance fighter during the Second World War, now entered into the Pantheon. A beautiful, generous and very avant-garde woman. If you've ever seen images of her, wearing her famous banana belt, you may be less aware that she lived in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, for years at the sumptuous Château des Milandes. She founded her “ rainbow tribe ” there, a large family of 12 children raised in love and brotherhood.
The Château des Milandes is a must in the Dordogne Valley, with its sumptuous French gardens, decorated with ponds, cabins, its famous spectacle of birds of prey and the visit of the castle which was the residence of Josephine, it is a Wonderful family day ahead! Let's go ?

Photos and video of the article © Guide du Périgord

The gardens of the Château des Milandes

Start the visit with the gardens, it is a pleasant introduction to the castle, which you will want to visit all the more after having admired it from all angles. These French-style gardens, in terraces and richly adorned with multicolored flowers, bushes and graceful water jets, are listed as Historic Monuments. Stroll through the park, its different spaces and have fun, in all seasons, guessing the vegetation, marveling at the trees and the skillfully worked perspectives to form a grandiose picture with the castle in the background...

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The magnificent French gardens, against the backdrop of the castle

The view from the terrace, towards the slopes of the Dordogne Valley

In the middle of the park, children will appreciate the giant wooden aviaries, which accommodate more than 70 birds of prey of all species. Great care is taken in their living space and entertainment in season and during the holidays, allow you to approach them and get to know them better. Enter the metal aviary of exotic birds! Be careful, it is forbidden to touch them, but thanks to the explanations of the animators present, you can appreciate the beauty of their plumage and understand their lifestyle.

Continue towards the castle, a pretty wooden hut will challenge the children. There is also a space with bamboos , viewpoints over the valley and the castle. It is a very pleasant walk which, with stops and breaks, will take you all afternoon.

Are you afraid that the youngest will be bored? Don't worry, at reception you will be given a booklet of games and activities , with information for children to keep them busy and arouse their curiosity during the visit.

Beautiful wooden cabin!

bamboo path

The immersive aviary

A pretty basin with behind, the space for the goats which allow to maintain in eco-pasture

The birds show

Every day, a bird of prey show is offered to visitors (at no extra cost). Find out more about the time of year, on the Château des Milandes website. Thanks to a team of pedagogical and passionate falconers, you will meet several aviary hosts, who will show you their knowledge of majestic flight, low-level flight, diving to catch (dummy) animals. It is a unique , very intimate show, which takes place at the foot of the castle, therefore in a magical environment ...

The aviaries are also accessible outside of the show, so you can approach the owls, barrows, buzzards and other eagles present. With all responsibility, it goes without saying, they should not be frightened...

Are you hungry? Go to the brasserie, which offers snacks and good meals at all hours to enjoy a pleasant break during your visit. At the foot of the castle, you can enjoy a very pleasant view to enjoy an ice cream, have a coffee or eat.

In season, know that animations take place, inside the castle or in the gardens, with the falconers, for children and adults. Visit the website for more information and to see the agenda.

Discover the Museum of the Rue du Temps qui Passe in Allas-les-Mines , very close to the Château des Milandes! A trip to the past, which will appeal to adults and children alike!

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The show takes place at the foot of the castle

Birds of prey show

A beautiful wooden structure has been added for the comfort of spectators during the raptor show

Milandes Castle

The highlight of the visit is inside the castle. This one is breathtaking, you could almost feel Josephine and her children strolling through the rooms. You will see costumes, show outfits, everyday objects of the "rainbow tribe" that show the love and the great attention with which Josephine wanted to surround her children. You will know everything about the life of this extraordinary woman, with a tragic destiny, who was rocked by an excess of generosity and naivety. Photos and films are prohibited in the castle, so I cannot show you any. This is a good thing because it leaves you surprised! Our favorite room is the bathroom, with a thousand brilliant and magnificent mosaics… Don't forget to climb to the very top by taking the steep stairs! It is worth the detour! For children, it is also an interesting visit, you can read the signs to them, they can also use their audioguide visit companion.