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Chateau de Malmaison Take RER A to Grande Arche (La Defence). Afterwards take bus 258 to Chateau de Malmaison. Visiting Fees: Adults: 6 € (add 2 € during
exhibitions) 4,50 € for large families Free for under 18 Free for all first Sunday of every month |
Malmaison or the evil house was first used as a hideout for Norman invaders in mid 1200s. From 1390 to 1763 Malmaison belonged to the Goudet family. From 1737 to 1763 the mansion was rented to rich financiers. In 1771 a rich banker named Jacques-Jean Le Couteulx du Molay bought Malmaison and after the Revolution in 1799 sold it to Josephine Bonaparte for 325000 FF. After returning from war, Napoleon approved the mansion and for 2 years along with the Tuileries, it became the seat of the French Government. Josephine and Napoleon enjoyed a carefree living at Malmaison as they created a relaxed environment for their guests.
After her divorce from Napoleon Josephine stayed at Malmaison till her death in 1814. Even though her son inherited Malmaison, his wife after his death, sold Malmaison to Jonas Hagerman, a Swedish banker in 1828.
In 1842, Queen Christine of Spain bought the mansion until 1861 when Napoleon III, Josephine's grandson, bought it back. He tried to restore the mansion to what it looked like under Josephine's ownership.
In 1877 Malmaison was sold again and the land got divided into parcels. Finally in 1896, Malmaison was purchased by Daniel Iffla who donated the mansion to the State in 1904.
Malmaison was turned into a museum in 1906. Today, you will find at Malmaison every thing related to Josephine and her children. It also covers Napoleon Bonaparte's life from the time he was a general and a consul.
Malmaison Chateau is a must see for Napoleon lovers. Don’t miss Napoleon’s secret staircase, and the rose garden planted by Josephine after her divorce
If You are interested in a guided tour, you can book yours with La Conciergerie online.
Hours of Operation:
Open everyday but Tuesdays.
October 1- March 31: Open from 10:00 am - 12:30 (Last admission at 12:00) and from 1:30 pm - 5:15 pm (Last admission at 4:30)
April 30 - September 30: Open from 10:00 am - 5:45 pm (Last admission at 5:00 pm)
Closed on January 1, May 1, and December
25.