Chateau de Malmaison

Chateau de Malmaison, home of Napoleon and Josephine

Chateau de Malmaison

The Chateau de Malmaison is already mentioned in the 14th century and has always belonged to rich families. But the most famous residents are undoubtedly Napoleon and Josephine.

Josephine was a widow of 32 years when she met Napoleon Bonaparte, a Corsican General, 6 years younger than she was. He fell like a rock for her and they got married in March 1796. 

When Napoleon was away on Campaign to Egypt in 1799, his wife Josephine bought this small castle with surrounding estate, just outside of Paris: Château de Malmaison.

It is a small but impressive little chateau, surrounded by beautiful gardens.  Josephine had her famous rose-garden planted and a Temple of Love built. She loved to spend time in the garden.  Napoleon was not amused when he came home from campaigning and found out his wife had spent so much money on this house. He grew to love it though, and the Chateau the Malmaison became the favourite retreat of Napoleon and Josephine.

After their divorce in 1810, Napoleon gave the chateau to Josephine. She lived there until her death.

In fact, when he was on the run for the allied forces, one of the last places he visited was Malmaison. Even though he divorced Josephine years earlier, he wanted to see her one last time.

On the first floor, you can still see the room where Josephine died on 29 May 1814.  Other rooms to visit are Napoleon's chambers, the billiard room and music room. The library features mahogany furniture from the 18th century, while in the dining room Josephine's porcelain service can be admired. 

Visit the Chateau de Malmaison

Full rate: 6,50 €
Park only: 1,50 

Free admission for all on the 1st Sunday of the month

Malmaison Museum is open every day except Tuesday.
Closed on 25 December and 1 January.

From 1 October-31 March
Week days 10: 00-12: 30 and 13: 30-17: 15
Saturday and Sunday 10: 00-00: 30 and 13: 30-05: 45
the park is open 10: 00-18: 00

From 1 april-30 september
Week days 10: 00-12: 30 and 13: 30-05: 45
Saturday and Sunday 10: 00-00: 30 and 13: 30-06: 15
the park is open 10: 00-18: 30

How to get there

Château de Malmaison is located in the city of Rueil-Malmaison about 12 km from Paris.

Avenue du Château de Malmaison,
92500 Rueil-Malmaison
France

www.chateau-malmaison.fr (in french only...)

Public transport:
RER: Line A to station "Grande Arche de la Défense" and then take bus n°258; get of at the "Le Château" stop.

Hints and tips

• The Chateau de Malmaison is closed on Tuesdays

• Be aware the Chateau closes at 12.30 for one hour for lunch so plan your visit in the early morning or afternoon.

• Last access 45 minutes before closing time (30 min before closing for lunchtime)

• Free admission for all on the 1st Sunday of the month

• Closed on 25 december and 1 January.

• The little village of Reuil is rich in cafés and churches and you can visit the beautiful local church of Saint-Pierre-Saint Paul where empress Josephine is buried. 

Grave of Joséphine de Beauharnais Church Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul in Rueil-Malmaison