Summary
Only eight kilometres west of Paris, Rueil-Malmaison is a prosperous and verdant suburb rich in French imperial history. It offers an opportunity to learn more about Joséphine de Beauharnais, the spouse of Napoleon until their divorce in 1810. One can explore the palatial residence she shared with the Emperor, stroll through the expansive grounds, and pay homage at the church that houses her tomb.
Rueil-Malmaison is replete with green spaces, featuring beautiful gardens, dense forests, and the lush banks of the Seine River. Therefore, if you seek a tranquil retreat on your visit to Paris that is enriched with its own array of attractions, Rueil-Malmaison is an excellent choice.
Let us delve into the most notable experiences in Rueil-Malmaison:
1. Château de Malmaison
Joséphesine acquired the Château de Malmaison in 1799, investing considerable resources to enhance both the residence and its grounds over subsequent years.
Between 1800 and 1802, it even served as a center for the French government.
During this period, Joséphine devoted her attention to the gardens, planting 250 varieties of roses and establishing a menagerie that included zebras, llamas, antelopes, and kangaroos.
Later, following her passing and the defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon utilized this residence during his 100 Days before his exile.
This remarkable property is steeped in the history of this intriguing family.
The interior functions as a museum, showcasing lavish decor, furnishings, musical instruments, and Sèvres porcelain that belonged to Joséphine and Napoleon.
2. Bois-Préau
From the moment Joséphine acquired Château de Malmaison, she had aspirations for this adjacent property.
However, the banker’s daughter, the property owner, declined to sell, and it was not until 1808—when the neighbour was discovered drowned in her pond—that it became available. This 17-hectare estate is now a stunning public park designed in the English style, featuring expansive lawns and majestic trees, including the Turkish hazels that have thrived since Joséphine’s era.
A statue of the empress, sculpted by the esteemed 19th-century artist Vital-Dubray, stands within the palm of this picturesque setting, adorned by the 18th-century Château de Bois-Préau, which houses a Napoleon museum—currently undergoing renovations.
3. Château de la Petite Malmaison
Upon the division of the extensive grounds of Château de Malmaison, this exquisite pavilion became an independent property, thereby evolving into a separate attraction.
Constructed in 1805 by architect Louis-Martin Berthault, who would later design Joséphine’s tomb, the Empress was actively involved in its development, which complemented her fervent interest in botany. One wing of the structure accommodated a hothouse dedicated to cultivating rare tropical flora.
Visitors to this site can gain insights into the explorations and contributions of the botanist Aimé Bonpland, whose adventures resulted in the introduction of many plant species.
This location also served as a secondary residence for the famed artist Pierre-Joseph Redouté, whose depictions of Joséphine’s roses remain popular as postcards to this day.
4. Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul
This solemn Renaissance church is distinguished by housing the tombs of Joséphine and her daughter Hortense.
Joséphesine’s funeral took place here on June 2, 1814, and the construction of her tomb, a collaborative effort between architect Louis-Martin Berthault and sculptor Pierre Cartelier, was completed in 1825 using Carrara marble.
Hortense, the daughter from Joséphine’s first marriage (her former spouse was a casualty of the Revolution), later married Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother.
Hortense passed away in 1837, and her splendid mausoleum was inaugurated by her son, Napoleon III, in 1858.
5. Bois de Saint-Cucufa
The majority of the Malmaison estate comprises a 200-hectare forest, which was purchased by the state in 1871 to establish a public park.
There is a historical anecdote regarding Joséphine, as it was during a frigid evening walk by the pond in this park that she developed pneumonia, ultimately leading to her demise.
A recently created two-kilometre interpretive trail provides information about the park’s history, in addition to bike paths and a sizable pond exceeding two hectares.
This area is perfect for jogging, leisurely walks, or picnicking by the water.
6. Mont-Valérien
In 1841, Paris fortified itself with a series of artillery fortifications in anticipation of potential attacks from what is known today as Germany.
This fortress atop Mont-Valérien played a significant role during the Siege of Paris in 1870 and the efforts to quell the Paris Commune in 1871. Nonetheless, its somber history is most pronounced during the Second World War, when over a thousand members of the French Resistance and other oppressed groups were executed here.
Following the war, the site was preserved by Charles de Gaulle as a memorial, featuring an eternal flame and a trail retracing the final steps of these brave fighters, along with a chapel that bears the graffiti of condemned individuals.
7. Musée d’Histoire Locale
The former town hall houses a museum dedicated to the history of the city, showcasing various aspects of daily life and notable individuals that might otherwise have faded into obscurity.
This includes insights into Rueil-Malmaison’s past winemaking industry, which was devastated by phylloxera at the close of the 1800s.
Further, the museum offers perspectives on the Franco-Prussian War and the Siege of Paris, while filling any remaining curiosities regarding Empress Joséphine.
The Napoleonic era is represented through a collection of 1,600 figurines of the Emperor’s Grand Army.
Additionally, a dedicated room highlights Édouard Belin, whose 1913 invention, the Belinograph, was a precursor to the wirephoto technology, enabling images to be sent over telephone lines long before the fax machine was invented.
8. Musée des Gardes Suisses
The Swiss Guard, a corps of Swiss mercenaries established by Louis XIII in 1616, was assigned the critical task of protecting the king.
These soldiers earned their reputation for loyalty; during the Revolution, nearly 900 were killed while defending the Tuileries in 1792. The museum is housed in one of three barracks constructed for the corps in the mid-18th century, from which a detachment would regularly depart for Versailles to assume duty at the “piquet d’honneur.”
This structure is recognized as a French “historic monument” and showcases various uniforms, documents, and memorabilia related to the corps.
9. Parc de Saint-Cloud
While Rueil-Malmaison embodies the essence of the empire, the neighboring suburb of Saint-Cloud possesses a regal character.
This historical significance can be experienced at the Parc de Saint-Cloud, renowned as a prestigious French “Jardin Notable” and celebrated as one of Europe’s most beautiful gardens.
Furthermore, the panoramic views of Paris from the La Lanterne lookout are breathtaking, featuring the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur shimmering on clear summer days.
Additionally, this park was once part of the grounds of the Château de Saint-Cloud, a royal palace that was destroyed during the Siege of Paris in 1870. Marie Antoinette had a particular fondness for this residence, and the flower garden she planted remains intact to this day.
10. Atelier Grognard
This structure is an intriguing 19th-century factory that once produced thousands of copper, zinc, and tin plates for engraving.
These manufacturing activities have long ceased, and now the two spacious halls within the Atelier Grognard serve as an evocative venue for temporary art exhibitions.
It is advisable to check the current exhibitions when visiting Rueil-Malmaison, as the showcased art is of high quality. Recent years have featured engravings by Dubuffet, sculptures by Miró, Impressionist paintings of the Seine, Abstract Expressionist works from the 1950s, and creations by the renowned Rouart family.
11. Arc de Triomphe
Rueil-Malmaison is serviced by Line A of the RER commuter train network.
Thereby, you can reach the Charles de Gaulle Étoile station located beneath the Arc de Triomphe in just over ten minutes.
This monument is not only universally recognized, but it also serves as an admirable complement to the Château de Malmaison.
While the design of the Arc de Triomphe is widely acknowledged, many may not be aware that it was constructed to commemorate Napoleon’s victories, honoring the French soldiers who perished in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Visitors can enhance their understanding of French military history by examining the six reliefs depicting pivotal moments from these conflicts, as well as ascending to the roof for a direct view down the twelve radiating avenues.
12. Paris Museums
In less than 20 minutes, visitors can arrive at Châtelet – Les Halles station, which is conveniently located roughly between the Pompidou Center and the Louvre.
Consequently, one can plan an enriching cultural day, commencing with modern and contemporary art at the Musée National d’Art Moderne.
This museum houses an extensive collection representing every movement and period in modern art, alongside significant works by Picasso, Matisse, Braque, and many others.
Additionally, there is the Louvre, recognized as the largest museum in the world.
Whether one’s interest leans towards an obscure ancient civilization or any historical era, detailed galleries are sure to be found here.
Moreover, for those with more general interests, numerous iconic paintings form a part of our shared cultural consciousness, including Vermeer’s The Lacemaker, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and, of course, the Mona Lisa.
13. Versailles
One significant advantage of residing in the western suburbs of Paris is the convenient accessibility to Versailles.
This landmark, a must-see in the region, is within a mere 20-minute drive.
Moreover, if you dedicate a single day to exploring the vast palace and its grounds, you can maximize your time there.
Thus, ensure that none of your moments are wasted while marveling at the elegant royal apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the impressive artworks displayed in the Museum of the History of France.
Equally captivating are the exterior attractions, including the Parterre d’Eau, Orangerie, Grand Trianon, Grand Canal, and the Queen’s Hamlet, all of which require ample time to appreciate fully.
14. Île de la Cité
Returning to Paris, a brief walk from Châtelet – Les Halles brings you to one of the city’s natural islands, rich with iconic sights to explore.
This includes the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and arguably the most famous church in the world, which has a significant role in history thanks to Victor Hugo.
Visitors should also aim to see the Conciergerie, a former royal palace that converted into a prison.
You may enter the very dungeon where Marie Antoinette awaited her fate.
Additionally, do not miss out on Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the Seine in Paris, which is a vital departure point for magical cruises along this remarkable river.
15. Golf
To further emphasize Rueil-Malmaison’s reputation as an upscale and green environment, three golf courses are available in the area.
Le Golf de Paris caters to beginners, experts, and everyone in between.
It features a nine-hole par 35 course along with seven distinct practice facilities, including one of the longest driving ranges in Europe.
Golf Blue Green Rueil-Malmaison offers a more challenging nine-hole par 32 course adjacent to the River Seine.
Moreover, Golf Haras Lupin provides a nine-hole par 32 experience located on the southern edge of the Bois de Saint-Cucufa, nestled within mature woodland.
