Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the fascinating world of Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison! Located near the heart of Paris in France, this former residence of Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine has seen some of the world’s most important historic events. This travel guide aims to provide you with interesting facts, information and tips on how best to explore this captivating château. From its 18th-century architecture to its spectacular Ballroom, to its extensive art collection, this Château is not to be missed! We’ll also provide insights into the surrounding Rueil-Malmaison area, which is full of interesting attractions. So get ready to explore Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison!

Interesting Facts About Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison

1. It was the home of Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife, from 1799 to 1814.

2. There was originally a wooden castle located there which was destroyed in the 14th century and reconstructed as a stone fortress.

3. In the 19th century, the castle was transformed into a neoclassical mansion.

4. The chateau is sometimes called Napoleon’s “Little Palace”.

5. It was the last home of Josephine de Beauharnais, who died in 1814 and was buried in the Imperial Crypt next to Napoleon in Paris.

6. It was also the home of Josephine’s son, Eugene de Beauharnais, who served as Viceroy of Italy during the Napoleonic period.

7. It is now owned by the French government and open to the public.

8. It is located in the heart of the Parisian suburb of Rueil-Malmaison.

9. It includes a permanent exhibition on the history of Empress Josephine and the Royal Houses of Europe.

History & Information About Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison

Château de Malmaison is a historic residence located in the town of Rueil-Malmaison in the western suburbs of Paris, France. The estate was purchased by the then-First Consul of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, for his wife, Josephine de Beauharnais, in 1799. It was here that Josephine developed her passion for botany and horticulture and filled the grounds with plants and gardens, making the estate a celebrated horticultural showpiece. The property is a National Landmark and open to the public as a museum.

The château was built in 1709 and took its name from the words “Mal” and “Maison,” which translate to “bad house.” After Napoleon and Josephine purchased the estate, they added their home, the Petite Malmaison, to the existing building. It was during their time at Malmaison that the two divorced in 1810, with Josephine keeping ownership of Malmaison until her death.

In 1840 the estate went to the Duchess of Orléans, Louise-Marie and it soon fell into disrepair. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the estate was restored to its former grandeur. In 1928 it was purchased by the state of France, and in 1930 it was opened to the public as a museum.

Today, Château de Malmaison is a popular tourist destination and boasts beautiful rose gardens and terraces. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, which are laid out in much the same way as when Josephine and Napoleon lived there. The grounds also feature remarkable sculptures and greenhouses where visitors can admire a variety of plants and flowers.

Travel Guide For Visiting Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison

, France

Introduction

Located on the banks of the Seine River, the beautiful Château de Malmaison stands as an architectural landmark in the suburbs of Paris. Built in the 1770’s for the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Empress Josephine, this castle was her place of choice for entertaining and relaxing in a charming and luxurious environment. With an impressive layout that includes everything from majestic salons to picturesque gardens, this is certainly a place worth visiting.

Things to Do

When visiting the Château de Malmaison, the first thing you must do is explore the gorgeous grounds of the castle. In addition to the cherry trees and garden pavilions, there are also several sculptures, temples, and a summer house to enjoy. For a fee, guided tours of the house can be arranged to view the majestic salons and opulent furnishings. Once you’ve finished touring the inside, take a stroll around the well-kept grounds outside.

Another must-see while at the Château de Malmaison is the former private library of Empress Josephine. It contains over 10,000 books and manuscripts that are still preserved in the original bookcases. Visitors can view ancient manuscripts as well as some of the rarest books in the world.

Food Nearby

When you’re ready for a break after your visit to the Château de Malmaison, you can find a variety of food options nearby. A nearby must-try is the popular L’Ecurie restaurant. This restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and serves classic French dishes, from steaks and sandwiches to soups and salads.

The Brasserie du Parc is another great spot near the Château de Malmaison. This traditional brasserie offers dishes like beef tartare, grilled salmon, and other local favorites, along with a nice selection of wines and craft beers.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping near the Château de Malmaison, you won’t be disappointed. Not far from the castle, you can explore the farmers’ market at Felix Potin Place for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods.

The Rueil Mall is another spot for finding great souvenirs. Located just steps away from the Château de Malmaison, this mall has a wide selection of restaurants, boutiques, and stores.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Château de Malmaison, you’ll have plenty of options. Two well-known hotels in this area are Hôtel de Broglie and Hôtel de Deneuve. These two lodging options are modern and offer a range of amenities.

For those who prefer a less traditional experience, there are several B&Bs near the castle. Among them is Le Petit Château, a charming French cottage with cozy guest rooms and a peaceful garden.

For a truly unique experience, check out the Château de la Tour, a famous 16th century fortress located just a few miles from the Château de Malmaison.

Getting Around

Getting around the Château de Malmaison is easy and there are plenty of options. The most convenient way to get around is by car, as the castle is located along the highway. The RER train line also stops near the castle and is a great way to explore nearby neighborhoods.

For visitors who prefer to walk, the castle is also the perfect place for a stroll. The surrounding area is quite peaceful, so it’s easy to wander around and take in the sights. For those who want to get a better view of the castle, bike tours are available, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the beauty of the architecture up close.

No matter how you choose to explore the Château de Malmaison, a visit to this stunning landmark is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Malmaison – Rueil-Malmaison

Q1: What is the Château de Malmaison?
A1: The Château de Malmaison is a royal residence located in Rueil-Malmaison, France. It was the home of both Empress Joséphine and later Emperor Napoleon I.

Q2: How old is the Château de Malmaison?
A2: The Château dates back to 1622, when it was first constructed. It has been renovated over the centuries to its current state.

Q3: What can visitors to the Château de Malmaison experience?
A3: Visitors to the Château de Malmaison can enjoy a tour of the grounds, enjoy a picnic and explore the former home of Empress Joséphine and Emperor Napoleon I. There is also a museum dedicated to the former rulers, featuring furniture and artefacts from their time living there.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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