Magic exists where you choose to find it. Romanticize your life by savoring every moment and noticing the beauty surrounding you. On my recent visit to France, I was thrilled to discover that Josephine Baker’s former residence, Chateau des Milandes, was just 45 minutes away from the private chateau we rented in the stunning Dordogne Valley (6 hours south of Paris).
Josephine Baker was the ultimate ex-pat. At the height of her success in 1930s interwar France, the 24-year-old icon had become a millionaire, just 11 years after leaving her Missouri home for a musical theater job at 13 years old. During a time when opportunities for women, especially Black women, were limited and often came with inhumane & degrading treatment that came with segregation, Baker pursued her dreams with unwavering determination. Her work ethic and discipline continue to inspire me a century later.
The Enchanting Chateau des Milandes
Although I can't pinpoint the first time I heard about Josephine Baker, I vividly remember staying up late as a teenager to watch Lynn Whitfield portray Freda Josephine MacDonald in a movie. My high school French teacher often praised Baker for using her fame to support the French Resistance and the Red Cross during WWII. So, it felt surreal to stand in the room of the Chateau des Milandes, surrounded by Baker’s bedazzled costumes. Peering through the glass case, I could almost hear her crooning "J’ai deux amours" on stage.
As I walked up the spiral staircase to her lavish pink marble bathroom, the melody of "C’est lui" played in my head. The castle is imbued with the spirit of this legendary music hall entertainer, and you can feel the magic in every step.
Embracing the magic of the journey at Chateau Des Milandes
The Legacy of Josephine Baker
Many define success in terms of money and power, but Baker's journey reminds us that the magic we seek often lies in the work we might be avoiding, both internally and externally. There’s a profound freedom in pursuing the lives we truly desire, rather than settling for less. I felt that empowering energy walking through the halls of Chateau des Milandes. Baker’s legacy transcended financial success, intertwining well-being with mystical wonder and wisdom that fueled her philanthropic efforts and generous spirit.
If you’re inspired by the remarkable story of Josephine Baker and the enchanting surroundings of Chateau des Milandes, consider planning your own visit to the Dordogne Valley. Don’t forget to embrace the magic in every moment!
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“She dreamed improbable dreams, followed her heart & created her own little fairytale” - unknown
Cocktail Josephine: Campari, Champagne and Banana Liqueur