The Château de Malmaison is the historic former-residence of Josephine Bonaparte. So come with us and let’s find out all about this hidden treasure on the outskirts of Paris!

Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, acquired this property on 21 April 1799. From 1800 to 1802 it was to become the seat of the French government, together with the Tuileries in Paris, and frequently played host to meetings attended by ministers of the Consulate.

The unique style of the Château de Malmaison is inspired by 18th century art, interpreted by the two pioneering architects who oversaw its renovation: Percier and Fontaine.

At the time of Josephine’s purchase in 1799, the property boasted 60 hectares of land. In 1814, the year of her death, the grounds of the castle had expanded to a mammoth 726 hectares of parkland. With the help of her architects, the empress installed a botanical garden with a huge heated greenhouse where she planted exotic vegetation from around the world.

Opening hours :

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday : from 10am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 5:15pm

Saturday, Sunday : from 12am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 5:45pm

Closed on Tuesdays. 

Photo credit : © Aurore Markowski