Château de Malmaison
Château de Malmaison
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
669 reviews
Excellent
349
Very good
258
Average
44
Poor
13
Terrible
5
Visit Blighty
2,762 contributions
Aug 2022
For three years I had been looking forward to visiting Chateau de Malmaison but of course because of the pandemic this kept postponed. Indeed my mother had very fond memories of this place. I travelled specifically to France for this reason. With air travel still being somewhat erratic I knew I would arrive later in the morning and was aware of the Chateau closing at 12:30 for an hour for lunch and that the last entry was 30minutes ahead of time. I had already done considerable study into the property, done online tours, read up etc so I knew I would not need a huge amount of time. I arrived at the property 3min ahead of the 30min cut off and was informed that as they had had a slow day, they closed a few minutes early! Given I had literally travelled specially for this and then paid a crazy amount for an Uber from CDG to the Chateau I was not amused, I naturally would not expect anyway to stay late for me, I simply would like to have been aloud in at the correct time and would have made it work. Eventually a manager let me see two floors but never have I felt so unwelcome ever in any situation as there. I was clearly judged for the speed at which I went through the property and all in all quite hostile and more to the point unnecessary.
I explored the modest grounds and garden over lunch and saw there rest of the castle after lunch.
The castle itself clearly has some magical qualities and wonderful decor, a special intimate look into the home of such titans. There are perhaps half a dozen rooms which stand out and are wonderfully opulent in their splendour. There are a number of exceptional pieces of furniture and some stunning paintings. However, there are also quite a few rooms which are more your stereotypical museum type format. What I found disappointing were the grounds, I image they were quite magical at some stage but perhaps as a result of covid seem to be going through a bit of rewinding shall we say?!
How the incorrect actions of one obnoxious security guard closing early totally messed up my whole day I found most bizarre and then the resulting prejudice from the staff.
I explored the modest grounds and garden over lunch and saw there rest of the castle after lunch.
The castle itself clearly has some magical qualities and wonderful decor, a special intimate look into the home of such titans. There are perhaps half a dozen rooms which stand out and are wonderfully opulent in their splendour. There are a number of exceptional pieces of furniture and some stunning paintings. However, there are also quite a few rooms which are more your stereotypical museum type format. What I found disappointing were the grounds, I image they were quite magical at some stage but perhaps as a result of covid seem to be going through a bit of rewinding shall we say?!
How the incorrect actions of one obnoxious security guard closing early totally messed up my whole day I found most bizarre and then the resulting prejudice from the staff.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zosia B
Waterloo, Belgium1,412 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I was excited to visit this château but ended up so disappointed. The grounds were lovely and the rooms well preserved and narrated. Arriving shortly after opening on a weekday we practically had the place to ourselves. However, the second floor docent totally ruined our visiting experience. She followed us from room to room standing too close for comfort and didn’t give us any space. It was as if she was waiting for us to do something wrong. I’ve had similar experiences visiting museums in Cold War Eastern Europe. It was so unpleasant that we just quit our tour midway though and left. It was such a shame. I would now discourage families from visiting as it was such a horrible experience.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
genibre69
London, UK3,385 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
A lovely place to stop by for the first free Sunday. Not overtly crowded and doesn’t take too long to walk through. The home has English translations for each room although a large placard upon hall entry describing the general history is not translated. There is an audioguide offer for €2 but decided to pass. Good preservation throughout. Make sure to see the black swans in the small pond at the back of the house.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DENNIS W
Cardiff, UK33 contributions
Aug 2022
Easy to travel to from Paris especially if you enquire at the ticket office at the Metro, the will print off a route for you. Plenty of RER line A trains but lack of toilets on station.
Malmaison is more associated with Josephine although Napoleon did stay there as well.
The Chateau is full of charm and priceless personal items. The bedrooms were impressive. Love that period in history and would visit again
Malmaison is more associated with Josephine although Napoleon did stay there as well.
The Chateau is full of charm and priceless personal items. The bedrooms were impressive. Love that period in history and would visit again
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alfonso C
Paris, France332 contributions
Jan 2020
Don't expect the splendor of Versailles... This small castle is a good place to go if you're interested about history, interested about Napoleon & Josephine, and interested about how an ex-empress could live her last days in a "not-so-sumptous" palace.
West suburbs of Paris are just magnificent. Versailles and St Germain en Laye are very close, but Malmaison keeps the "down to Earth" charm of the residences of the former emperors. Parking is free, and there is a very small gift shop as well.
West suburbs of Paris are just magnificent. Versailles and St Germain en Laye are very close, but Malmaison keeps the "down to Earth" charm of the residences of the former emperors. Parking is free, and there is a very small gift shop as well.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mir2001
Southwest173 contributions
Take the train and follow the signs. There is a brasserie across the street from the station, and a chocolate shop on the other side. The château is where Josephine preferred to stay. It's at least a mile's walk, but easy to find. Beautiful statue of Josephine at the edge of the property, but the house itself is clear across on the other side. Lots of memorabilia, even Josephine's dancing slippers and Napoleon's campaign toiletries kit, an orginal by David of Napoléon crossing the Alps on his white steed (he really did it on a mule). Check your train schedule and time how long it took you to walk from the station . . . it will take less time going back, but we cut across the park and saved some time. The neighborhood is beautiful, just walking down the sidewalk and sightseeing is worth the effort. As always, the locals will help you find your way. Contrary to B movie lore, the French are very polite and helpful. Don't forget to say «Merci».
Written February 9, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele B
Sydney, Australia49 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
This is a lovely little Château, more a large country house, really, situated about 12 kilometres (7 miles) from Paris. By train, catch Line A RER to Rueil-Malmaison and then take the 144 bus from the station to the centre of town - a large square with a church, Eglise de Sts. Pierre et Paul, in which lies Joséphine Bonaparte's tomb. The Château can be reached from here by foot in about 15mins. through the lovely Parc de Bois-Préau.
Joséphine de Beauharnais (Bonaparte) bought this perfectly-scaled house in 1797 and lived here after her divorce from Napoléon Bonaparte. It was the centre of the French Government, along with the Tuileries in Paris, from 1800-1802. Joséphine ensured the garden was beautiful and famed for it's Rose Garden, among other things. Inside, the Château is well-preserved with some exquisite pieces of furniture and decoration. Unlike many other Châteaux, it is possible to imagine living here and loving it.
Joséphine de Beauharnais (Bonaparte) bought this perfectly-scaled house in 1797 and lived here after her divorce from Napoléon Bonaparte. It was the centre of the French Government, along with the Tuileries in Paris, from 1800-1802. Joséphine ensured the garden was beautiful and famed for it's Rose Garden, among other things. Inside, the Château is well-preserved with some exquisite pieces of furniture and decoration. Unlike many other Châteaux, it is possible to imagine living here and loving it.
Written March 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janpal
New York City, NY633 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a wonderful day trip from Paris and easy to get to on public transit. Take #1 metro to Le Defense (the end of the line) once there catch the 258 bus. It's a large station with info booths so ask.. The bus line is pretty clearly marked. We took it to the Le Chateau stop which is the first one of the seemingly 3 stops for this place. I only mention this because several guide books we consulted had the wrong stop listed. Luckily we asked the bus driver. Once there it's a short walk to the Chateau down a lovely tree lined street. We did not see a cafe there so you might want to pack a lunch. It was quite hot 🔥🔥🔥the day we went but this place is somewhat air conditioned not by Americans standards but reasonably cool meaning not sweating. Get the audio it is very good and comes with the price of admission. The house is beautifully restored. It is not Versailles but there are no crowds and the rooms with their history are simply wonderful.
Written July 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piligar
Melbourne, Australia143 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
Whether this is your first time in Paris or a return visit, consider giving an afternoon or a morning to a visit the Chateau de Malmaison - you won't be disappointed. Like other house museums in Paris, Malmaison lets you get close to the people who lived there. You will see exquisitely crafted personal items such the writing desk Josephine used in bed and her " toilette necessitare". You will also see an astonishing collection of furniture made by the prolific Jacob brothers. And you'll see all this without the crowds that flock to the more accessible and well know sites. Other reviewers have covered the Chateau very well so I won't repeat what they have said. I'll just add some information that you might find helpful.
Firstly, you can download an app before you go with practical information and an audio guide. Audio guides are available when you buy your ticket - only 6 euro - and there was no charge when we we visited today.
Secondly, getting there is not as difficult by public transport as it first seems, although there is a trick with the bus.
Take the Number 1 Metro line to La Defense. Follow the signs through to the RER and Buses and look for bus # 258. They leave every 5 minutes or so on week days. Some of the 258 buses terminate half way through the trip - St Genevieve I think. If this happens to you, wait for the next 258 and ask the driver if he goes to Chateau Malmaison. You won't have to wait long.
(Some reviewers have mentioned that for a bus that takes you straight through , look for a one that does not have a slash through the route number on the front of the bus.)
I would really urge visitors to go to Malmaison if they are interested in Napoleonic history. You really will feel close to the man and his great love Josephine.
Firstly, you can download an app before you go with practical information and an audio guide. Audio guides are available when you buy your ticket - only 6 euro - and there was no charge when we we visited today.
Secondly, getting there is not as difficult by public transport as it first seems, although there is a trick with the bus.
Take the Number 1 Metro line to La Defense. Follow the signs through to the RER and Buses and look for bus # 258. They leave every 5 minutes or so on week days. Some of the 258 buses terminate half way through the trip - St Genevieve I think. If this happens to you, wait for the next 258 and ask the driver if he goes to Chateau Malmaison. You won't have to wait long.
(Some reviewers have mentioned that for a bus that takes you straight through , look for a one that does not have a slash through the route number on the front of the bus.)
I would really urge visitors to go to Malmaison if they are interested in Napoleonic history. You really will feel close to the man and his great love Josephine.
Written September 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Auntie_J
Toronto, Canada20 contributions
Josephine purchased Malmaison so that she could get away from Paris. She much preferred the peacefulness of what was then the countryside. She made Malmaison her permanent residence during and after her marriage to Napoleon. She tended her roses here until her death.
My niece and I loved our visit to Chateau Malmaison. We had a much better time there than at over-the-top Versailles. Malmaison is smaller and more intimate. We could imagine living there and tending the roses with Josephine. Although it is located just outside Paris, it's very reachable by Metro and a local bus. If you go in good weather, consider having a picnic lunch on the grounds (no food available there for purchase).
My niece and I loved our visit to Chateau Malmaison. We had a much better time there than at over-the-top Versailles. Malmaison is smaller and more intimate. We could imagine living there and tending the roses with Josephine. Although it is located just outside Paris, it's very reachable by Metro and a local bus. If you go in good weather, consider having a picnic lunch on the grounds (no food available there for purchase).
Written October 25, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peripatetic_Engineer
New Orleans, LA2,821 contributions
I am currently in Paris. Is the rose garden in bloom?
janpal
New York City, NY633 contributions
I don't know about the rose garden but it's a wonderful place to visit.
SkyeBlueWaters
Wisconsin Dells, WI184 contributions
Will be in Paris in a couple weeks and do want to visit the Chateau. Is there anything else in the immediate area, walking distance, or is it a single destination
akaluzny
Philadelphia, PA93 contributions
Single destination only
WhiteSmudge
New York City, NY12 contributions
How many hours should we allow to fully enjoy the Chateau and the garden without rushing?
Rusty Haigh
Southington, CT209 contributions
If you go in season, when the flowers are in bloom, 4 hours would be good. The Chateau can be seen in an hour and the grounds in another hour but if you really want to stop and enjoy the flowers allow a little more.
Diana R
Birch Run, MI2,055 contributions
Do they have a cafe where we could have something to eat? Thanks.
Sue M
Williamsburg, VA1,468 contributions
As I recall there is no cafe - the Chateau is too small to warrant a cafe on the premises. If you look at a map of the area, about a mile away is the town center for Ruell-Malmaison and there seems to be a number of restaurants there. Enjoy your visit there!
Diana R
Birch Run, MI2,055 contributions
We’re going to Paris in January. Would this be worth our time or should we go another time when it’s warmer? Thanks.
Peter P
Rushton, UK66 contributions
I visited on a cold rainy day in December , It was easy and pleasant to get around the house as there were few other people there . Good if you like to study the house contents in detail . But much too cold and wet to enjoy the vast gardens .
Denise M
Fortaleza, CE13 contributions
Existe um café ou restaurante no próprio Malmaison?
Susana K
Sao Paulo, SP473 contributions
Não há nada, nem café, restaurante ou lanchonete. Apenas uma pequena loja de souvenirs na entrada da propriedade.
Aliás, o museu e a loja fecham entre 12:30 e 13:30H e não abrem às terças-feiras.
Bom passeio!
Doreen C
Fort Lauderdale, FL536 contributions
Can you tell me how to get to Chateau de Malmaison from Vernon using public transportation? Thanks!
MSChap
Mississippi, USA31 contributions
I can go to either Versailles or Chateau de Malmaison. I think I would prefer Chateau de Malmaison, am I wrong to make that choice?
Beverley R
Sunshine Beach, Australia19 contributions
Two vastly different places - Versailles opulent, grand, crowded, queues pushing you through at a rapid pace - spectacular grounds and gardens.
Malmaison, quiet, serene, can do at your own pace, very ambient, simple but gorgeous gardens, wonderful antiques, furniture and appointments. Feels like Josephine is still there.
Both places are a must when visiting Paris, but I have fallen in love with Malmaison.
frequenttravelor
california, usa8 contributions
We are planning to visit Flore Submarine base mid-May 2016. Will there be English speaking tours at that time? If not, is there a self-guided audio tour in English? When should we buy tickets?
Jeff R
Rotherham, UK1,141 contributions
when you pay your entry fee you can collect a audio device that gives you the tour of the house in the tour order, very useful, hope you enjoy it, it is a great house and really does open your eyes to how the Emperor and his wife lived.
If you have time check out my reviews of restaurants in the Reue de Malmaison worth looking at.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Château de Malmaison
- Hotels near Château de Malmaison:
- (0.71 mi) Le Relais de la Malmaison - Hotel, Spa & Restaurant
- (1.18 mi) OKKO HOTELS Paris Rueil-Malmaison
- (1.20 mi) Novotel Paris Rueil Malmaison
- (4.81 mi) Hôtel Beausejour-Ranelagh
- (1.05 mi) Ibis Paris Rueil Malmaison
- Restaurants near Château de Malmaison:
- (0.31 mi) La Brasserie du Chateau
- (0.75 mi) Sapristi
- (0.63 mi) L'Auberge du Fruit Défendu
- (0.32 mi) Pavillon Josephine
- (1.23 mi) Bistrot Cote Seine
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