Chateau Malmaison

Can you be more specific about what is charming for you? For me the Empire style interior is charming enough, but my taste can be different from yours. So is it your taste too? So please tell us more about your taste and / or experiences about visiting castles / châteaux, so we can better help you if it will meet your expectations. Malmaison is for those interested in history anyway worth to visit.

Malmaison is absolutely worth it, i love it and have visited many, many times.

Despite being called Château de Malmaison, it’s a house, not a castle.

I take a direct bus from La Défense which, i’ve been told, is easier than taking a train. It drops you off about 1/8 th mile from Malmaison. It’s a very enjoyable walk to the property.

I’m fascinated with Napoleon/Josephine history and you really feel their presence there, easy to imagine them living there as you walk through the house.

https://musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr/chateau-malmaison/en/history-chateau-de-malmaison

Do be aware that Malmaison closes for lunch between 1230 and 1330.

I enjoyed Malmaison, but without more background, it’s hard to say Yay or Nay for others.

I agree with Susan on all her comments.

If you are expecting something like Vaux le Vicomte or Fountainebleau, it is not as extensive. On the other hand, as Susan indicates, the transport is not difficult and the property is in suburban Paris. Travel by bus, as noted above. Train is possible, but less direct.

For art lovers, one of the iconic Napoleon Crossing the Alps is there. Like the above poster, I think the property is especially appreciated by those interested in Napoleon, Josephine, the era. I reviewed the period and read some biographies in preparation for my visit which I think added to my experience.

Thank you all for your comments.
Yes, I am interested in history and in Josephine and Bonaparte. I am not seeking another large castle or chateau.
Appreciate the info on transport as well.

Then you will enjoy Malmaison. It really humanizes them both.

Agree, it gives a good impression about their lives.

I loved it and it was worth the little extra effort to get there. I hope to go again.

Thanks again. For those of you who have enjoyed Malmaison and those who may in the future, can I recommend a historical novel by Stephanie Parkyn, "Josephine's Garden"? A good read.

I see that La Defense is in Zone 3, so a regular Navigo Easy Pass for Zone 1 will not be useful.
Is it possible to buy a ticket from central Paris to La Defense and thence for the bus to Malmaison? Also do you know the number of the bus I would need to take? Thanks in anticipation.

I'm bumping this back to the top for someone to answer. I have always planned to go to Malmaison but have not made it. My plans were to go on a week that I was also getting a Navigo Decouverte with does cover zone 3 so I don't know the answer to your question!

I don’t know the answer either. I always have a Navigo Découverte too. Maybe Parisbytrain.com will be useful to research the answer.

Line 1 to La Defense Grand Arche will work from central Paris with a Zone 1 ticket. Using RER outside of Zone 1 with a Zone 1 ticket will get you alarmed at the exit. Buy a bus ticket (258) to Malmaison at La Defense. Machines obvious and English available. (Current as of late 2022. Correct my post if things have changed.)

Scroll down for access info. https://musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr/chateau-malmaison/en/practical-information

I thoroughly enjoyed Josephine’s home but especially because I was in a very small group and we had a guide. Highly recommend this unless you do your research first to fully understand the history between Josephine and Napoleon. In this way, their lives will hold more meaning as will the decor. . Lovely gardens, too.

Really helpful ORD, thanks.

If you have a Navigo Decouverte it covers it. The Navigo Easy is not a pass; it is just a card to load metro tickets and so won't work for Malmaison unless you load a day pass on it which is the only pass it takes. We did this trip many years ago and enjoyed it. It is a bit of a walk from the bus to the chateau so have it mapped out or use a city mapper when you get to the bus stop. On a nice day it is a pleasant suburban walk.

"It really humanizes them both." Bravo ! How true.