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
