Saturday, November 22, 2008

The Empress' Retreat


Visit the country estate of Joséphine, just to the east of Paris. Only a short, 7-mile bus ride from the heart of the city, Malmaison is an ideal half-day excursion for visitors who'd like a little fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

On April 21, 1799, Joséphine Bonaparte bought Malmaison, an 18th century chateau on the outskirts of Paris. Upon his return from the Egypt campaign, Napoleon ratified the purchase and entrusted the decoration of the chateau of the architects Percier and Fontaine. From this country residence, napoleon governed France and conducted an active social life.