Overview
Rueil-Malmaison sits 13 km west of central Paris and makes an easy half-day excursion for travelers interested in Napoleonic history. The town was home to Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife, and the Château de Malmaison now serves as a museum dedicated to their era.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Hotels range from €60-70 per night at budget options like Hotel des Arts and Ibis. One establishment also functions as a hostel.
Culture
The town is closely tied to Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoleon. The Château de Malmaison serves as the main museum dedicated to this history.
Food
Downtown bakeries serve fresh croissants and baguettes. Restaurant meals typically cost €18-30 at sit-down establishments.
Nature
About 350 hectares of green space—roughly a quarter of the town's area—include forests and parks suitable for hiking and running.
Transport
RER A line connects Rueil-Malmaison to central Paris in about 35 minutes. Buses serve nearby suburbs including Saint-Cloud, La Défense, and Versailles.