Châteaux,
french décor,
historic,
versailles
Château des Milandes,
Châteaux,
historic,
Josephine Baker,
slider,
southern france
Château des Milandes, Josephine Baker's Memorial (and dress collection!)
Monday, September 22, 2014
If you don't know who Josephine Baker is before you enter Château des Milandes, you will have her image ingrained in your head afterward. The 15th century château located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is a grand memorial to the famous African-American entertainer of the 1920's. Don't expect antique Renaissance décor everywhere, expect a drag queen's dream come true.
There is little to no history left in the château, aside from middle-aged architectural finds. After it was abandoned by the Lords of Caumont in the Revolution, Charles Claverie came along and added all the pretty touches like the disturbing, screaming gargoyles. He then sold it to Josephine Baker in 1947 after she decided to become a French citizen. Americans were too racist for colored entertainers, especially colored WOMEN entertainers. Ha! If they could only see Beyoncé now--"Who run the world? GIRLS."
The first (and greatest) thing you see when you step foot in the castle is all of her show outfits. I was like a kid in a candy shop. The girl had a rockin' body; she was the first to prance around topless and sing like an angel. It is to no surprise that the Frenchmen accepted the American star.
As you continue on the tour you will see an overwhelming amount of Josephine Baker photos. She was truly the 'it' girl. Unfortunately, she went bankrupt and lost the castle in the 1960's and much of her belongings were auctioned off. Therefore, none of the château is entirely authentic, being that there have been four previous owners since.
There is, however, much of her beautiful furniture, as well as her not-so-beautiful bathroom layout. She had refinished the inside from its previous renaissance look. I, have never in my life seen such modernity in a castle; it was a nice change of pace.
Many toys of her twelve, yes TWELVE adopted children are on display. Her love for both children and animals can be seen in photos all over the home. This was no museum-like château; it is lived-in. Château des Milandes was practically Disney's Animal Kingdom minus the $100 wristbands to get in.
The outside is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There are several acres of land to the property and it is included in the ticket. You will also find a very large collection of "exotic" birds. Now if you are from North America you most likely won't find them overly exotic. And if you are not a bird lover, you most likely won't find it interesting whatsoever.
Legend has it that when she was fighting to keep her home, she set-up shop at the front doorstep. One photo showed her surrounded by a few wine bottles. Josephine Baker, you've got the right idea girl! The owners allowed her to only stay in the kitchen, her favorite room of the house.
My favorite room was the military den. I give these owners credit, because they have dedicated this entire place to her life and success. She was an entertainer, entrepreneur, WWII French Military intelligence, Civil Rights activist, and mother of twelve. Although the sculptures are creepy, they're in good spirit.
If you have some time for a visit, see the exotic bird show, wander the gardens, and grab some food or drink at the restaurant. If you have good weather like we did, it is like being in a scene from a fairytale. The exterior, from the view to the architecture is incredible. It is also a good excuse for wine, and we love wine right?
cadillac,
Châteaux,
historic,
southern france
Château de Cadillac Isn't Your Average Royal Castle
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Château de Cadillac is most definitely a place I would sprint away from at night. It ultimately creeps me out, but it may just be the story behind it. This isn't the happy, jolly castle with royal objects all around. I mean, yes partially, but was also a women's prison from 1818 until 1890.
The first Duke of Épernon had the château built in the 17th century. Henri IV wasn't too fond of him so he basically sent him as far away from Paris as possible. It passed through several families until eventually it was left for dead and they made it a prison. The end.
Just kidding. It might not have the most exciting royal history, but its architectural history is pretty impressive. I, for one was blown away by the fireplaces. They are considered the most decorative "chiminée" in France.
Take note of the floral shutters and the cielings as well. Girard Pageout painted every one of them back in the early 1600's. Even after centuries of fading they're still more beautiful than my white walls.
What's interesting about the castle is also how it was built. Aside from the prison additions, Cadillac is built for each room to lead into the other, basically in a perfect line, nearly all equal in size. Ah, socialist France.
When the time came around for a prison, all of the royal bedrooms were either dorms for prisoners or parts of the infirmary. There were no dark, creepy cells like we have today (none of which I saw at least). In fact, they lived in very particular conditions.
In this room slept around 100 women. They were to have zero communication or the nuns would whoop them silly (just a guess). I read that the day started at 5:30am, they ate, worked, went to chapel, took a "exercise" walk in the courtyard, worked, ate, and slept at 8pm.
The priests felt that by making these women work hard they might smack some sense into them. Some were there for quite some time, with the judge sentencing them to 15 years of "harsh working conditions." Basically by making les femmes work like slaves, they would have an easier time adjusting back into normal society? Hm.
It said most of them were there for stealing and child neglect. I secretly hoped it was going to be some more Scarlett Letter type things. Great book though.
It looks so pretty, so why I'm so freaked out by this place? Well, A) the way it looked as the sun went down and B) that many prisoners committed suicide in the garden by throwing themselves down a well. Happy Travels!
Châteaux,
historic,
la brède,
southern france
Montesquieu's Château de La Brède is Vintage
Friday, April 25, 2014
I feel a little less than intelligent that I had no idea who Montesquieu was, being that all of France (and I'm sure most of Europe) is fully aware of his famous books. He was an 18th century writer and philosopher of who's oh-so-vintage castle I toured this week. We're far more acquainted now.
The castle was constructed in the 14th century, however additions were made until the 19th century. It's so massive yet it looks so small on the property. And By property I mean 370 acre park.
The final owner passed away at the age of 91 in 2004 with no children, but still kept the castle private. It has been passed to the Foundation Jacqueline de Chabannes
The famous Montesquieu was a traveler like myself. Many of the pieces in the house are from his 4-year journey between several countries in Europe. Although not the best lookin' guy (there are several paintings of him inside) he seemed like a solid catch for the single ladies of the 1700's.
It's said that he went through thirty secretaries. He was one of those crazy up-all-night thinkers so they were forced to be woken up at all hours and listen to his newest ideas. Their bedroom was right next to his!
Montesquieu was brilliant. He spoke 5 languages: English, Italian, Greek, French, and Latin. I feel so lame struggling to be bilingual, and there he was multi-lingual, no problem.
It would only make sense that the library is the biggest room in the castle. None of the books are left as most were either sold or donated but the tour guide mentioned that he had around 4800 at one time.
You won't get to see all of the château. Mathieu and I noticed an entire tower and wing of the castle that we had not entered. It only makes sense being that we never saw a kitchen or a bathroom..and I'm pretty sure they still ate back then.
The tour was not too bad. Our guide was very insightful, and I was given a packet in English in order to follow along. Unfortunately I'm not multi-lingual like Montesquieu.
Château de la Brède is 40 minutes outside of Bordeaux. If you want to take the tour of the château it's 7 euros, only in French, and unfortunately guided. The 10 screaming kids were the worst part of the entire experience...best birth control ever.
What I love about this castle is that it was kept in the same family for 900 years. Everything inside is antique and withering away with time. So much better than the fake set-ups in the châteaux owned by France.
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| Montesquieu's Bedroom |
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| Jeanne de Lartigue's Bedroom |
Apparently he was a gold digger because his marriage was arranged to Jeanne de Lartigue for her money. Her roles were as follows: make babies, take care of babies, take care of the vineyard as if it were her baby. Montesquieu was gone 5 months out of the year so who knows what kind of side-dish he had.
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| Secretary's Bedroom |
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| 17th Century Living Room |
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| Montesquieu's Library |
The tour was not too bad. Our guide was very insightful, and I was given a packet in English in order to follow along. Unfortunately I'm not multi-lingual like Montesquieu.
Châteaux,
chenonceaux,
historic,
southern france
Château de Chenonceau, My Favorite Castle in the World
Thursday, April 10, 2014
I worship the ground that this Château de Chenonceau was built on. It is, by far, in all of France, my favorite favorite favorite castle ever. I've even done my research if I can get married here one day. So far it's a go, now I just need the ring, the dress, and about 100k.
My visit was back during the Christmas season of 2012. They go ALL OUT decorating this place, it is stunning. Not only is it physically beautiful, but the history behind it kills me. I'll give you the 411.
First off, this is technically the 2nd Château de Chenonceau. The original was set on fire back in 1412 because the owner spoke against the government. So let's just skip over that history and go to the juicy stuff after it was rebuilt around 1515.
Here's where it gets really 16th century high school. Henry II built the castle for his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. She absolutely loved this place, building expensive additions, exquisite gardens, and a large, beautiful bridge. Being that she was the other woman, Henry's wife, Catherine de Medici was not a happy-camper, and waited out the day when she could get rid of her.
Henry died in 1559 and Catherine physically kicked Diane out of there. Not only did she do so, she made it her new favorite castle. Karma will bite ya eh?
After she died her daughter-in-law Louis de Lorraine inherited it. This is her bedroom, by far the most depressing thing ever. She made it all black to mourn the death of her husband Henry III. Given the skulls all over her curtains, it was the creepiest room I've seen in any castle
The Gallery is my favorite and I will walk the aisle here one day. It's basically where all the royals got a load on and passed out on the floor. Potentially the end to my future wedding.
Another gorgeous room is the one dedicated to Louis XIV, who really had nothing to do with the château, but his one time visit apparently won him a nice room.
I personally think Diane's bedroom was pretty ugly. It was probably for the best that Catherine took over, because her taste was far better if I do say so myself.
The best part of anything that you will see here are the gardens. Unfortunately for me I visited during winter, but I've seen several photos during the summer and they are unbelievable. This is the 2nd most visited château in France (1st being Versailles).
This chapel made it out alive during the revolution. Had it not been disguised as a store to sell wood, we might not have a Château de Chenonceau. Bravo, bravo. Well done.
Also, during the World War II the kitchens were entirely occupied with people escaping Nazi territory. Not a bad place to stay after a horrendous journey.
If you have the opportunity to be in Val de Loire, and you don't visit this castle, I will check you into a crazy home myself. It is just awesome, there's no better word for it.
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| Bedroom of Diane de Poitiers |
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| Study room of Catherine de Medici |
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| Bedroom of Louis de Lorraine |
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| The Gallery |
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| Dedication room to Louis XIV |
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| Bedroom of Catherine de Medici |
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| Chapel de Chenonceau |
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| The Kitchens |
If you have the opportunity to be in Val de Loire, and you don't visit this castle, I will check you into a crazy home myself. It is just awesome, there's no better word for it.
