This is Malmaison. Josephine's favorite and final home.
Right now it is a well maintained museum. I am not sure if their funding is adequate or not, but I can say that the building and grounds are beautifully maintained. The art and objects are it contains are priceless. Malmaison is a well advertised museum and many of the tour groups advertise daily excursions here.
This is the Petite Malmaison. Privately owned. And by private, I mean people actually own this chateau and live here. To be specific, a mother and son. This is not a national museum and it definitely is not well funded.
This is what the chateau looked like in Josephine's time. It was a very large green house with a stunning building attached. Josephine would load her guests onto small boats and they would row down the river (or be rowed) to this part of the estate. Luncheons were served here.
The owner rents the home out for weddings and other special events. This was the room Josephine entertained in. It is still beautiful. It took my breath away given the state of the grounds prior to entering the home.
Note the leftover food from the last event......
1 comment:
Thank you for your photos.
I toured Malmaison but at that time did not know about Petite Malmaison and did not have the chance to go.
After the destruction of so many sites which could have been restored such as St. Cloud, the Tuileries etc., I am glad that this remains. Even if it is falling to bits that is better than being torn down. Such a pity the grounds were not kept as well.
Thank you for your interesting blog.
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