Le Château de Malmaison

The Château de Malmaison was the residence of Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, along with the Tuileries it was the headquarters of the French government from 1800 to 1802, and Napoleon's last residence in France at the end of the Hundred Days in 1815. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the estate became a summer residence of Edward Tuck, the Vice Consul of the American Legation in Paris.

Today the Château is a museum-castle. The Napoleonic museum was opened in 1905. Visitors to the château and the park can savour the charm of this place which has managed to preserve its authentic atmosphere and character.

You can visit the ground floor and the first floor of the Château virtually.

Highlights

• The dining room: This room was decorated in the Pompeiian style in 1800 by Fontaine and the eight dancers were painted by Louis Lafitte 
• The council chamber: the frequent meetings of ministers at Malmaison urged the need for the creation of a Council Chamber
• The library:  a very large library, entirely panelled with magnificent mahogany crafted by the Jacob brothers. A hidden staircase, the entrance of which is located behind the mirrors, enabled Napoléon to make his way discreetly to his apartment on the first floor.
  
• The Emperor’s Bedroom: This room was divided into two separate rooms: Napoléon’s room and the other one for his manservant. 
• The Empress’ Bedroom: A circular-shaped and lavishly decorated bedroom. Joséphine died in this bed, carved with swans, in May 1814.
  
• The boudoir: Josephine enjoyed sitting in this octagonal room which was much easier to heat due to its lowered ceiling

Opening hours

From October 1st to March 31st
From 10am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5.15pm, until 5.45pm on week-ends
The park is open from 10am to 6pm

From April 1st to September 30th
From 10am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5.45pm, until 6.15pm on week-ends
The park is open from 10am to 6.30pm