Looking for something to do on our last day in Paris next month and was wondering if this would be worthwhile to see? I know the gardens won't be much to see in January but do you think the rest of the house is worth a visit? (My 4th time in Paris, trying to find things that we haven't seen before.) Or would Chateau de Vincennes be a better choice? Both look perfectly wonderful but we only have the one day before we leave, so I'd need to pick one of the two. Thanks.
Posted by
Chicago
8556 posts
There isn't much to see at Vincennes; Malmaison on the other hand is a lovely little chateau of major historic interest. I'd go for that -- They are entirely different. Vincennes is the remains of the old keep of an old fortress; Malmaison is a small furnished chateau. I don't remember the gardens at Malmaison -- what I remember is the house, so I think it is a good winter visit. (be sure to check hours; some places close off season)
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Be aware that the Chateau Malmaison closes for lunch and you will be ushered out. There used to be, and may still be, a restaurant right near the bus stop for the Chateau so you can have lunch and then go back to the Chateau.
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
Do you know, how long should we allow to both get there & tour the chateau? Thanks.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
It's about an hour from Gare de Lyon from Paris, plus about 25 minutes to the chateau.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Metro line No. 1 or Bus No. 73 will get you to La Defense, and then take the bus to the Chateau. While at La Defense, you could take the elevator up to the top of the arch for something different to do and a different view of Paris.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
First, they are two very different experiences. One is medieval, the other is Napoleanic elegance. While I really enjoyed visiting Malmaison, I thought it took longer to get there (transfer from Mertro 1 to bus 258, then a fairly long walk to the chateau) than it took to tour the chateau, which is fairly small, but well furnished and beautiful. A plus was being able to ride to the top of the Grand Arch for the view. It is much simpler and faster to go to Vincennes, which is at the eastern end of Metro Line 1 with the entrance to the chateau a few steps away from the Metro. The chapel is beautiful, similar in design to Ste. Chapelle, but with different colored stained glass windows. So, for me the deciding factor would be how much time you actually have or want to spend.