Paris Weekend Break

Chateau de Malmaison

Chateau de Malmaison can be found on the Avenue du Chateau, in the town of Rueil-Malmaison, about 12 miles outside of Paris. For anyone interested in stately homes and castles, or Napoleonic history, Chateau de Malmaison is well worth a visit.

Castle history

Chateau de Malmaison has one of the longest and most interesting histories of any European castle. The original building had a role as a place of refuge for Norman invaders as far back as the thirteenth century and its use and its subsequent ownership has much significance to French history.

From the 1390’s through to the mid eighteenth century Malmaison and its grounds were under the ownership of the Goudet family and during the latter part of this time the building was rented out. However in 1771 a wealthy banker obtained the estate which he famously sold to Josephine Bonaparte in 1799. This sale coincided with the French Revolution and within two years Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, who had paid 325,000 French Francs for the estate, were living in the house.

The story was not initially a happy one though, as Napoleon felt that the house was excessively priced, required extensive refurbishment, and was not in keeping with the values in which he believed. Even so, his views were quickly changed and the house and gardens were turned into a paradise by Josephine. At one time she is even reputed to have had the grounds inhabited by creatures as diverse as black swans, ostriches and kangaroos.

To add further to the significance of this building it also operated as the seat of the French government for two years during this period.

Napoleon’s exploits, life and death meant that only Josephine and the children remained in the home during much of this period. However, Josephine occupied Malmaison until her death in 1814.

After the demise of Josephine the property was handed down to her son, but it left the family after his death and was again owned by a wealthy banker, only this time one originating from Sweden.

From that time until 1904 Malmaison was owned by Spanish royalty and Napoleon’s grandson amongst others before finally being donated to the French state by Daniel Iffla.

Within two years Malmaison was turned into a museum and it now acts as a repository of all things connected with Josephine Bonaparte and her family as well as being a tribute to many aspects on Napoleon’s life and accession to national greatness. Restoration of the building was undertaken by architect Pierre Humbert shortly after Malmaison was donated to the state.

Things to see

As a national museum the house and garden can be visited and guided tours are available. Highlights are the splendid grounds and a secret staircase used by Napoleon himself. Much of the interior is said to be restored to the grandeur which Josephine had enjoyed when the castle was at its hiatus.

Location and cost of entry

The house and grounds are open six days per week (closed on Tuesday) and opening times vary depending upon the time of year. During the winter period (October to March) the house closes over lunchtime and final admissions are at 4.30pm instead of 5.00pm. The house is closed on some national holidays (e.g. Christmas day). Entry fees are approximately 6 euros per adult (this may have changed).