Rueil-Malmaison
FranceCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Le château d'une impératrice romantique | The château of a romantic empress
Why visit
Rueil-Malmaison is a perfect day-trip from Paris for Napoleon-era history. Visit the Musée National du Château de Malmaison, Joséphine's beautifully preserved estate with her bedroom, the council room where Napoleon worked, and the famous rose garden where she cultivated over 250 rose varieties (essentially establishing modern rose horticulture). The smaller Château de Bois-Préau next door has more imperial collections. Walk along the Seine paths or rent a bike. Take the RER A line directly to central Paris in 25 minutes, or hop to La Défense's modern architecture and Grande Arche.
When to avoid
Rueil-Malmaison is essentially a wealthy bedroom community, don't expect tourist hubbub or evening nightlife. The Château de Malmaison closes Tuesdays. The town is spread out and not particularly walkable beyond the château and town center. Consider the bus or a car. Skip if you want quintessential Paris atmosphere, stay in central Paris and day-trip out. The RER A can be unreliable during strikes. Don't confuse the smaller Bois-Préau with the main Malmaison château.
.svg){kind=link}