When we lived in France we lived just outside the city limits. We had vehicles and we were able to explore the surrounding areas quite a bit. One of my favorite places just outside of Pairs is Chateau Malmaison, Josephine’s house. There are signs for this chateau, as it is tucked away in Rueil Malmaison. There is an informative audio guide that tells quite a bit of Josephine and Napoleon’s story, that revolves a great deal around this home.

Josephine purchased this home while Napoleon was on his campaign in Egypt. 

Unfortunately the house and contents were auctioned off, after Josephine died, to pay her debtors.

They have done an incredible job of finding objects from the home and returning them or replacing them. Just look at these chairs.

This is the entry way to the home, I could spend all day here.

I have visited this chateau several times over the years, and each time I visit I see something new. There are so many details that I adore. 

Even just this corner has so much to see. 

The paintings on the walls are gorgeous. 

Because of renovations all of the shutters for this room had to remain closed, so I couldn’t get a great photo. The floral paintings in this room are so inspiring.

An obelisk tucked in the backyard, a nod to Napoleon and his Egyptian escapades. 

Statues and art are everyday. 

This floor has been my favorite spot since the first time I saw it. The black and white floor with such an interesting pattern is just the best thing ever. 

One of the staff members saw me listening attentively to my audio guide and taking pictures as I went. The staff person moved one of the barriers to that I could get in the right angle to take this shot. He didn’t speak any english, but he looked so pleased to have helped me. 

I used one of the large mirrors to grab a quick selfie. 

More little hand painted lovelies.

This room is what inspired my green velvet obsession. 

Mr. Helpful returned and closed these doors for me so I could get the full affect. 

This is Napoleon’s desk, it has a shelf that you can hide the documents you are working on in a moment. There is also a passage way from this room to his bedroom upstiars.

This painted ceiling is so special.

A detail of a candlabra. 

This detail of the wood floors is so simple, yet so stunning.

Wonderful afternoon light.

A very handsome Napoleon bust, having a Mr. Dacrcy moment here. 

One of four Napoleon Crossing the Alps that were commissioned, this painting is BIG.

Painted border.

Josephine,

Furniture detail.

The sconce with the painting detail, it is just gorgeous. 

Unfortunately Josephine’s room was closed this visit. So the next stop were the gardens.

Here is a lemon tree, Josephine loved her lemonade.

Josephine was born on a Caribbean Island, and she brought her love of exotic plants with her. She was responsible for bring over 200 species of plants to France. At one time these gardens were amazing, they are slowly being brought back.

The grounds used to be quite expansive, while they are much smaller now than they used to be, it is still an oasis in a very busy world.

This statue was hidden out in the forest, there is always something else to see. 

On my way back to the front I wandered through the gardens.

These gardens might not  be as grand as they once were, but they were still pretty beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in them.

I hope you enjoyed your tour through Chateau Malmaison.

I am sharing with

Coastal Charm

The Scoop

Let’s Talk Vintage

Vintage Charm

Feathered Nest Friday

 

Here are a few more of the photos I took while in Paris. Mont Valerian with the American Cemetery in the background.

From the park in Mont Valerian you can see this view of La Defense. I love the old buildings in the foreground with the super modern buildings in the background. This is so representative of life in France.

Another view from Mont Valerian, it was a beautiful day to enjoy these amazing views.

Montmartre, the Sacre Coeur and the beautiful flowers of summer time in Paris. 

I woke up at 5:15 one morning so I could trek here, Sacre Coeur. The sun rose and the pink glow was stunning. There were not many people around that early in the morning and I loved having the area to myself. 

This photo was taken from Montmartre facing north, away from Paris. 

So. Many. Stairs. That day I made it my job to climb as many stairs as possible.

Next stop was Notre Dame. The sun was still on its way up and I was rewarded with greeting the city as she woke up.

I was able to walk right in the church with no line and listen to a beautiful mass. 

Then an expat friend joined me for a climb up to the top of Notre Dame. It was great to have a friend encourage me up the 380 stairs and the views were totally worth it. 

No hunch back sitings here with the bell.

The views were so rewarding.

You can see one of the famous gargoyles with Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.

Au Petit Bonheur la Chance is a wonderful little store on Rue Saint Paul. Unfortunately the day I went most of the stores were closed, they take their weekend on Tuesday and Wednesday. This little shop was open and they have so many wonderful collections.

You can follow them on instagram and see their treasures for yourself.

Walking through the Tuileries to visit the Louvre.

Paris is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. I know the world is a scary place right now, but I hope that I am never too afraid to explore.

I am sharing with

Coastal Charm

The Scoop

Let’s Talk Vintage

Vintage Charm

Feathered Nest Friday

I had an amazing trip to France at the end of June and beginning of July. If you follow me on Instagram then you saw my adventures and loot shoots from France. I have so many more photos and stories that I am anxious to share with you. Here is one of the first photos I took while in France. Flowers and the Eiffel Tower are pretty representative of Paris to me. I will have more pictures and stories for you soon.

Now I am busy unpacking from a family vacation, when I got back from France we went on a 2 week family road trip to see both of our families. We just got home last night and it was so nice to sleep in my bed after 3 whole weeks away. Now to organize my treasures. I will let you all know when I  have new listings on Etsy.