By public transport, take the RER A towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye. A destination within easy reach of your Navigo pass , where you can enjoy a change of scenery for a few hours when the weather's nice. Until 1928, the town was simply called Rueil: it was not until then that the largest commune in Hauts-de-Seine (according to Wikipedia) became known as Rueil-Malmaison.
It's also here thatone of the department's most beautiful châteaux nestles: the one where Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine took up residence for several decades, preferring Rueil to the hustle and bustle of Paris. It was here that the empress ended her life on May 29, 1814. Open to the public, you can explore the château's beautiful interiors, learn more about the history of the emperor and empress and, above all, discover the magnificent gardens that encircle the residence.
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
A little further on, a second château, that of Bois-Préau, nestles in the eponymous park. Designed to resemblea small forest in the heart of the city, Bois-Préau park offers beautiful walks with a particularly exotic feel, where the impression of calm and nature reigns supreme.
Just a few minutes' walk from the Château de Malmaison is a lovely park planted with trees: welcome to the Parc de Bois-Préau, Rueil's beautiful green space, where you'll feel like you're in a forest. [Read more]
As you continue your stroll, you'll come across the Parc de l'Amitié, a charming little rueillois garden known for its red bridge reminiscent of traditional Japanese gardens. Then head for the city's Impressionist Park, with its beautiful rose garden, white garden and bucolic water hut, loosely inspired by Monet's paintings. After this beautiful stroll to discover Rueil-Malmaison, return to Paris from the RER A station or by car!
Looking for an original park and garden just outside Paris? Head for Rueil-Malmaison in the 92 region to discover the Parc de l'Amitié, an astonishing park full of treasures, including a Japanese garden with its emblematic red bridge and flourishing vegetation. [Read more]
The Parc des Impressionnistes in Rueil-Malmaison, located on the banks of the Seine opposite the Ile des Impressionnistes, is a sublime 1.2-hectare park that honors the color palettes of the Impressionists. Water, plants and flowers in abundance recall Claude Monet's garden at Giverny. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
Bois-Préau Park, a forest in the city, Rueil-Malmaison (92)
Parc de l'Amitié, the superb Japanese park in Hauts-de-Seine
Rueil-Malmaison's superb Parc des Impressionnistes, inspired by Monet
