Chateau Malmaison: Paris Day Trip
Visit the home of the wife of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at Chateau Malmaison. Photo: Thomas Letournel
For French Empire history buffs, look no further than this countryside chateau. It’s no Versailles, but this quiet, unassuming mansion nestled in the small town of Rueil Malmaison was a favorite country hideaway for Empress Josephine, the wife of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
Tour the chateau to learn more about this time period in France, including the art and the décor, as well as the day to day activities of Napoleon and Josephine, two of the most powerful people that lived during the time.
While you can take a bus to the chateau, if you enjoy walking, consider taking the RER A to the stop Rueil Malmaison and taking the 40-minute walk to the chateau. Walking will bring you through quiet streets with some surprisingly beautiful homes. See the map below for walking directions.
Logistics
Travel time:
40 minutes from central Paris
How to get there:
Take Metro line 1 to La Défense, then take bus 258 to the “le Chateau” stop or take the RER A to Rueil Malmaison, followed by a 40-minute walk
Costs
Travel: Either standard Metro/bus ticket or €4 from Paris RER station Chatelet Les Halles
Admission: The entrance fee is €6.50 for an adult
Other day trips
This is just one of our recommended day trips from our guide to “Fantastic Day Trips less than an Hour from Paris”. Click below to read more:
• The Saint Denis Cathedral and market
• Chateau de Vincennes and Parc Floral
