Château de MALMAISON

History & Horticultural Marvels

The Enchanting Gardens of Château de Malmaison: A Tale of Love and Roses

Unravel the captivating story of Château de Malmaison, an exquisite estate nestled in the heart of Rueil-Malmaison, just a few miles west of Paris. Once home to Empress Joséphine, wife of Napoléon Bonaparte, Malmaison has long been famed for its enchanting gardens and remarkable collection of roses. Today, we delve into the estate's rich history, exploring the passion and artistry that shaped its gardens, design, and the mesmerizing world of roses it boasts.

Built in the 17th century, the Château de Malmaison was acquired by Joséphine and Napoléon Bonaparte in 1799. Following Napoléon's ascent to power, Joséphine transformed the estate into a sophisticated retreat, employing the talents of distinguished architects, painters, and gardeners. Throughout her tenure, the Empress passionately cultivated the gardens, amassing an unrivaled collection of roses that continues to captivate visitors to this day.

The Gardens of Malmaison

Vision

Joséphine's vision for Malmaison's gardens was a harmonious blend of the formal French and the naturalistic English styles.

Île-de-France

Joséphine enlisted the expertise of garden designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine to realize her dream. The result: a lush, verdant landscape punctuated by symmetrically designed parterres, winding pathways, and gently cascading water features.

Of particular note are the graceful swan pond and the Temple of Love, a neoclassical folly situated on an island in the midst of the pond, adorned with a statue of Cupid. These romantic touches, coupled with the vibrant tapestry of plantings, imbued the gardens with a sense of whimsy and serenity.

Did you know?

The name Malmaison comes from the Medieval Latin mala mansio, meaning “ill- fated domain,” “estate of ill luck.” In the early Middle Ages, Malmaison was the site of a royal residence that was destroyed by the Vikings in 846.

The pièce de résistance of the gardens was undoubtedly the rose collection. With the assistance of renowned horticulturist André Dupont, Joséphine set out to gather every known species and variety of rose—a feat nearly achieved, with some 250 varieties cultivated during her time at Malmaison.

Notable specimens at Malmaison include the Gallica roses, such as “Rosa Mundi” and “Tuscany Superb,” celebrated for their rich hues and intricate patterns. The elegant Alba roses, like “Cuisse de Nymphe” and “Maiden's Blush,” charmed visitors with their delicate blooms and captivating fragrance.

The gardens also showcased the newly introduced Chinese roses, which revolutionized European rose breeding. Varieties like “Old Blush,” “Slater's Crimson China,” and the iconic Bourbon rose “Souvenir de la Malmaison” made their first appearances on European soil at Malmaison, paving the way for a new generation of rose cultivars.

Visit the private apartments.

Discover : MALMAISON

Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in French history and culture.

The castle is open to visitors all year round (except on Tuesdays!) and offers a range of guided tours that explore the history of the castle and its significance in French history. Visitors can explore the castle's beautiful gardens, which were designed by Josephine herself and feature a wide range of exotic plants and trees.

One of the highlights of any visit to Château de Malmaison is the chance to see Napoleon and Josephine's private apartments. These beautifully restored rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of the famous couple and are filled with period furniture, art, and decorations.

The future of Malmaison

In addition to the castle and its gardens, Château de Malmaison also features a museum dedicated to Napoleon and Josephine's lives and achievements. The museum contains a wide range of artifacts and exhibits, including personal items belonging to the couple, as well as paintings, sculptures, and other works of art that reflect their legacy.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Château de Malmaison has faced some challenges in recent years. The castle is in need of extensive renovations, and there have been concerns about the condition of the building and the impact of tourism on the castle's fragile infrastructure. To address these concerns, the French government has launched a major renovation project aimed at restoring and preserving the castle for future generations.

The project, which is expected to take several years to complete, will focus on repairing the castle's roof, facades, and interior, as well as upgrading the castle's heating and electrical systems. In addition to the renovation project, the French government has also implemented new policies aimed at reducing the impact of tourism on the castle and its surrounding area. These policies include limiting the number of visitors to the castle at any one time and encouraging visitors to use public transportation to reduce traffic and pollution in the area.

Despite these challenges, Château de Malmaison remains a fascinating and important destination for anyone interested in French history and culture. With its beautiful gardens, historic castle, and museum dedicated to Napoleon and Josephine, Château de Malmaison offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich history and legacy of France's most famous power couple.