Château de Malmaison

The Basics

Joséphine de Beauharnais—wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and the first Empress of France—purchased Château de Malmaison in 1799. She transformed it from a dilapidated estate into an extravagant imperial residence with elegant grounds, a large rose garden, and exotic animals. The château served as government headquarters from 1800–1802. Following her divorce in 1809, Joséphine lived there until her death in 1814. The palace was restored by architect Pierre Humbert and is today a Musée National.

The Château de Malmaison, given its proximity to central Paris, makes a good day trip destination for history buffs and architecture lovers. It is also included in some city passes, while tours to the château from central Paris include perks such as round-trip coach transit and skip-the-line tickets.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Château de Malmaison is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.

• Separate tickets to the palace grounds are available for those who don’t want to see the interior.

• Helmets, large umbrellas, strollers, and baby carriers with metal parts are forbidden.

• Only the ground floor of the château is accessible to those with limited mobility.

• The château is closed for lunch.

How to Get There

To reach the Château de Malmaison, take the RER A from central Paris to the Gare de La Défense; transfer to the 258 bus and disembark at the École la Malmaison stop. Alternatively, take the RER A to the Gare de Nanterre Préfecture, transfer to the 259 bus, and then disembark at École la Malmaison stop. The château can also be reached by car or taxi (free parking is available on-site) and most tours include transportation.

When to Get There

The visiting hours at Château de Malmaison vary according to the seasons, but the museum is open every day except Tuesday. Be sure to time your visit around its closure for lunch. The museum is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Château Highlights

The Château de Malmaison showcases numerous special objects and artworks, from Joséphine’s musical instruments and personal art collection toNapoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David. Joséphine’s rose garden remains a highlight of its grounds.

Ways to explore

Given its proximity to central Paris, Château de Malmaison makes a good day trip destination for history buffs and architecture lovers. As a Musée National, the attraction is also included in some city passes, while tours to the château from central Paris include perks such as round-trip transportation and skip-the-line tickets. Visits to the château, purchased by Napoleon’s wife Josephine in 1799, include time inside the extravagant imperial residence, plus a chance to stroll the large rose garden and the grounds where kangaroos, zebras, and gazelles once roamed.

Accessibility

Only the ground floor of the château is accessible to those with limited mobility.

Age limits

There is no minimum age to visit the château, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. Younger kids will probably enjoy the grounds more than the palace interiors.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack, sun hat

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Umbrellas, strollers, helmets, tripods, camera flash, and selfie sticks are not permitted, and backpacks must be worn in front or carried by hand.

Amenities

Parking, restrooms

Address

Many Château de Malmaison tours from Paris include round-trip transportation, but you can also drive, take a taxi, or use public transit. The castle is just west of Paris and can be reached in less than an hour from the city center.

Driving

Take highway N 13 from the city center to highway A14 toward Rouen/Cergy-Pontoise/Rueil-Malmaison/St Germain En L./La Garenne-Colbes. Then take highway A86 to Av. Méhul in Rueil-Malmaison, where the castle is located.

Public transportation

To reach Château de Malmaison, take the RER A from central Paris to the Gare de La Défense; transfer to the 258 bus and get off at the École la Malmaison stop. Or, take the RER A to the Gare de Nanterre Préfecture, transfer to the 259 bus, and then get off at the École la Malmaison stop.

Best times to visit

The visiting hours at Château de Malmaison vary according to season, so check the official website for an updated schedule. Be sure to time your visit around the attraction’s closure for lunch.

Best days to visit

The museum is open every day except Tuesday, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Weekends tend to be more crowded, so visit on a Monday or Wednesday to Friday.

Best months to visit

The gardens at Château de Malmaison are a highlight. Visit in the spring or fall to catch them at their most colorful.

Special events

The château occasionally hosts special art exhibits related to Napoleon and Josephine. Check the attraction’s website for more information.