In the 10th century, the Normans, who plundered settlements and cities along the Seine, brought their loot here. Hence the name: Malmaison (La Malmaison) – bad house.
In the 17th century, a small castle is built here, which is purchased in 1799 by Napoleon’s wife Josephine Beauharnais. Bonaparte hires architects for the interior reconstruction of the palace, from which, between his military campaigns, the First Consul governs the state.
Upon becoming Empress, Josephine continues to decorate the palace, and after her divorce from the Emperor, she moves in permanently. She marries off her daughter, Hortense, to Napoleon’s brother, Louis, and their son becomes Emperor Napoleon III. Josephine continues to receive high-ranking guests here and hosts receptions.
Next to the castle is a small romantic park, where invited guests strolled, including in 1814, Russian Tsar Alexander I accompanied by the hostess and (or) her daughter.
Josephine’s son, Eugène Beauharnais, sells the castle, which is purchased in the second half of the 19th century by Napoleon III. He does a lot to restore the former luxury of the ‘imperial nest.’
Now the castle is a state museum, preserving a number of impressive interiors and personal belongings of the Emperor and his family.
Those interested in the era and fate of Napoleon will be enchanted by this castle and will gain a new perspective on historical figures and the morals of the post-revolutionary period and imperial rule.
