In the footsteps of Napoleon: The Château de Malmaison and the Arc de Triomphe

Your certified local guide will meet you in central Paris and escort you on the short trip to the gorgeous Chateau of Malmaison, situated just on the western edge of the city. Home of Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife and the love of his life, this château is the perfect place to get a glimpse into the great man’s private life. As a young general and later Emperor, he would regularly escape from the madness of Paris to this idyllic mansion in the countryside, in the arms of his beloved Josephine. A place of rest and relaxation, parties, balls and games evenings were often held here, along with country picnics and plays. However, Malmaison was not only a place of rest, Napoleon rarely stopped working, and many important meetings were also held in this private château. It became the center of power when he was there.
Follow your guide as they lead you around this charming mansion, exploring also the life of this fascinating couple. Famous for its beautiful rose garden, which Josephine lovingly tended, the chateau is exceptionally well preserved and remains fully furnished as it was at the time. If Napoleon were to return today he would no doubt feel at home and probably look for Josephine! She is present everywhere at Malmaison, and her love affair with Napoleon is a fascinating story. Always by his side, she gave him strength and confidence, until he was obliged to divorce her in 1810 because she was unable to give him a heir. After they separated, she remained at Malmaison and his reign slowly started to collapse, until he was eventually exiled in 1814.
After your visit to Malmaison, we return to Paris and the much more public side of Napoleon’s life. The Arc de Triomphe sits at the top of possibly the most famous avenue in the world – the Champs Elysées – and was built to proclaim his glorious victories. Your skip the line ticket will allow you to ascend straight to the top, where you will be able to marvel at the spectacular views of the city - including a bird’s eye view of the Eiffel Tower - laid out at your feet. Enjoy the views, and then spend the rest of your evening at your leisure on the beautiful Champs Elysées. Your guide will be happy to make restaurant recommendations for you.