Joséphine Baker: A Global Icon with a Périgord Heart

When one thinks of Joséphine Baker, images of glitter, feathers, and energetic dances on the stages of Paris often come to mind. Yet this music hall icon and civil rights activist found refuge and inspiration in a much quieter, rural place: the Périgord. More specifically, it was at the Château des Milandes, in the Dordogne region, where she lived an essential part of her life.

An Unexpected Love for the Périgord

Born in the United States in 1906, Joséphine Baker quickly became a star in France, where she was warmly welcomed for her talent and charisma. But beyond the glamour, Joséphine always sought a place where she could not only recharge but also realize her ideals of peace, love, and unity. In 1937, she discovered the Château des Milandes, located in the picturesque Périgord Noir. Enchanted by the beauty and serenity of the place, she purchased the property in 1947.

The Périgord, with its lush landscapes and charming villages, offered Joséphine a peaceful setting far from the bustle of Paris. There, she found a haven of peace and a place suited to her humanitarian projects.

A Castle for a Dream of Unity.

The Château des Milandes is more than just a home for Joséphine Baker. It becomes the center of her famous 'Rainbow Tribe.' Joséphine adopts twelve children from around the world, aiming to prove that people of all backgrounds can live together in harmony. This humanistic life project aligns perfectly with her commitment to racial equality and her fight against segregation—causes she championed throughout her life.

The Périgord then becomes the setting for this unique family life. Joséphine and her children live surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, while she organizes tours of the château, performances, and charity events to share her message of tolerance and love.

Resistant and Activist

While Joséphine Baker is best known for her talents as an artist, she also played a crucial role during World War II. Committed to the French Resistance, she used her status as a star to travel across Europe and deliver coded messages, thereby aiding the Allies. For her service, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor.

After the war, her commitment did not waver. In the 1960s, she actively supported the civil rights movement in the United States, speaking at the March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King.

A Living Legacy in the Périgord

Today, the Château des Milandes continues to keep the memory of Joséphine Baker alive. Transformed into a museum, it traces the fascinating life of this extraordinary woman, from her beginnings on stage to her commitments to peace and unity. Visitors can explore her life in the Périgord, her legendary stage costumes, and the rooms where she lived with her children.

In 2021, Joséphine Baker was inducted into the Panthéon, a posthumous tribute to her life as an artist, resistance fighter, and activist. But it is here, in the Périgord, that she left an indelible mark, living by the values she championed on the international stage.

Conclusion

The Périgord, a land of castles and enchanting landscapes, offered Joséphine Baker the ideal setting to realize her dream of universal brotherhood. Through her home at the Château des Milandes, she embodied values of peace, diversity, and humanism, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who visit this very special place.