The Château des Milandes is a small castle in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (Dordogne), built by Francois de Caumont around 1489 for his young wife, who found medieval castle of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle rather cold and unwelcoming. It is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and it was the main house of the lords of Caumont until 1535. It fell into ruin after the French Revolution, but was restored by the legendary music hall star Josephine Baker, who rented the castle in 1940, and then bought it in 1947. She began her famous 'rainbow tribe' adopting children from different nationalities and religions. However, Josephine's generosity and naivety led to bankruptcy and she had to sell the castle.
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