Chateau Malmaison

This chateau is a lovely detour for tourists looking for a day or half day outing from Paris that's slightly off the beaten path. Even though you won't be surrounded by throngs of eager site-seers at Malmaison, the history and decor of this chateau are definitely worth a closer look.

The Malmaison domain was acquired by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 and her spirit continues to haunt every corner of the building. From 1800 to 1802 Malmaison was the French government seat during the Consulate when Napoleon reigned over France and it's expanding territories alongside two other Consuls. As emperor, Napoleon moved the court from Malmaison to the St Cloud palace (which stood in the nearby Parc Saint-Cloud until it was burned to the ground during the Second Empire), but the empress stayed on primarily at Malmaison.

The Renaissance style of the chateau didn't please the Bonapartes. In order to redecorate in a way that reflected the modern taste for classical antiquity, they hired the architects Percier and Fontaine whose ornementation was influenced by ancient Roman ruins. It's remarkable when you visit the chateau today how much of their decorative scheme has been maintained or restored.

Also interesting to note are the numerous paintings by the top painters of the Napoleonic Era. The portrait of Bonaparte crossing the Alps by David, a legend of Ossian by Girodet, and numerous portraits of Josephine by great artists that show both neo-classical and romantic influences.

After the emperor left for Saint Cloud, Josephine continued interior decorations and developed the grounds with exotic flora and fauna brought to her by French explorers such as the Capitaine Baudin. She is said to be the first European to have imported the black swan from Australia for example. To ensure the correct growth of her new plants, she ordered the construction of a vast greenhouse that included a series of rooms in which the empress could receive guests for tea.

There is really much, much more to discover about Napoleon, Josephine and the French Empire at chateau Malmaison. I cannot encourage enough to go for a visit. And if you happen to go on a sunny day, why not take a picnick for the Rueil-Malmaison park?

- CSL

PS For all Napoleonic Era enthousiasts out there, please consider supporting the restoration of the Salon Dore of Malmaison. To find out more, follow this link.

Chateau de Malmaison
Avenue du chateau de Malmaison
92500 Rueil-Malmaison

Opening hours :

October 1st - March 31st
Monday - Friday 10am-12:30pm 1:30pm-5:15pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-12:30pm 1:30pm-5:45pm

April 1st - September 30th
Monday - Friday 10am-12:30pm 1:30pm-5:45pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-12:30pm 1:30pm-6:15pm

Entry fees
Full price : 6 euros/ 8 euros during exhibitions
Ask for reduced prices and free entry circumstances.