Rueil-Malmaison: History, Gardens and Nature

Rueil-Malmaison offers several distinct themes for a stay: the history associated with Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon Bonaparte, local collections, landscaped gardens and outdoor trails. The Château de Malmaison, the Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul, various parks and the Forêt domaniale de la Malmaison each offer a different focus.

Château, Church and Local History

The Château de Malmaison is a former imperial residence particularly associated with Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon Bonaparte. The collections include furniture, paintings, porcelain and weapons from the early years of Napoléon I’s rule. The reconstructed historic rooms also give the presentation a tangible form: these include Napoléon’s mahogany library and Joséphine’s oval bedroom. The collection objects and the room design thus offer distinct ways to explore the château’s history.

The Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul houses the tombs of Joséphine de Beauharnais and her daughter, Queen Hortense. The church also has an organ case donated by Napoléon III and signed by Bacchio d’Agnolo. It has been classified as a historic monument since 1941. These connections make the church a distinct chapter in the history of the town, alongside the residence and its collections.

The Musée d’Histoire Locale de Rueil-Malmaison is housed in the former town hall. It traces the town’s development from its medieval origins under Charles the Bald to the present day and holds temporary exhibitions each year. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular exhibition, check its dates when planning.

Gardens and Parks in Rueil-Malmaison

The Parc de Bois-Préau covers 17 hectares and preserves an English-style garden design from the late 18th century. A central lawn is used for picnics. This park therefore brings together historic landscaping and a practical use of its open space. The Parc des Impressionnistes features other distinct garden elements: a small pond, perennials, a rose garden and a white garden. If you are interested in gardens, you can take these features into account as different focuses when planning your trip.

Trails, Nature and Outdoor Activities

The Forêt domaniale de la Malmaison covers 200 hectares and offers opportunities for walkers, cyclists and joggers. This describes several ways to use the forest without specifying a particular route or walking time. At the Étang de Saint-Cucufa, visitors can observe fish, amphibians and ducks. If you would like to include nature watching in your trip, this offers a different theme from the trails for walking, cycling or jogging.

The Parc des bords de Seine has pétanque courts, a picnic area and tennis courts. It also offers a walking connection from the banks of the Seine, through the Plaine des Closeaux, to the Forêt domaniale de la Malmaison. The Parcours Impressionniste starts at the Parc des Impressionnistes. Each stop has a panel with text and an artwork, as well as a QR code linking to additional audio content. The trail invites you to stroll in the footsteps of Impressionism. You can also walk along the banks of the Seine and in the town center of Rueil-Malmaison.

Visits and Educational Activities

Visits and activities are organized at the Ferme du Mont-Valérien throughout the year. The educational program covers the processing of agricultural products, including wheat, flour and bread. The specific workshops may vary; if you are making the trip for a particular activity, check the program in advance.

Discover more destinations: Levallois-Perret, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, Clamart, Ville-Dʼavray, Châtenay-Malabry, Asnières-Sur-Seine, Puteaux, Garches.

For the broader travel overview: Hauts-De-Seine.