For Heritage Days 2026, head to the Hauts-de-Seine, at the Château de Malmaison and Bois-Préau. Step back in time and come marvel at this monument on September 19 and 20.
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events of the year, particularly in Paris and the Île-de-France region, where there are so many wonderful discoveries to be made! The weekend-long program includes guided tours, workshops and exceptional outings to museums, châteaux and monuments rarely open to the general public.
Young and old alike can marvel—often for free—thanks to these many open doors. More than 1,500 sites take part in the Heritage Days: it’s a treasure trove of discoveries! No need to traverse all of Île-de-France to admire impressive monuments: if you’re on the Hauts-de-Seine side, you’ll surely find something to do on 19 and 20 September 2026.
Head for the town of Rueil-Malmaison, home to one of France's most important monuments. Built in the 17th century, Château de Malmaison was acquired in 1799 by Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte, who had it completely refurbished. Much appreciated by the First Consul, between 1800 and 1802 the residence became, along with the Tuileries Palace in Paris, one of France's governmental buildings. Today, the Château de Malmaison is one of France's finest examples of the consular style, where visitors can discover the more intimate atmosphere of Josephine's apartments, her collections of paintings, and the empress's passion for botany in the landscaped grounds.
European Heritage Days 2026: the most beautiful castles to discover in Paris and Île-de-France
Heritage Days also offer the chance to visit the castles of Île-de-France, often for free. Kings and queens, princes, emperors, nobles of every stripe... Step in the footsteps of these great figures in French history and discover their grand residences on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
The 2026 Heritage Days weekend program at the Château de Malmaison:
- In Search of the Flower Boat
A long-running investigation
September 19, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Average duration: 30 minutes
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Château de Malmaison invites you to discover the estate through a vibrant program packed with guided tours, activities, and encounters. Delve into the backstage of rediscovering one of the museum’s most singular treasures: the ivory Flower Boat of Empress Joséphine. Conservation, restoration, restitution: what choices does a work impose? Through the story of this exceptional object, museum conservators reveal the scientific and technical stakes involved in its rediscovery, from identification to its return to Malmaison’s collections.
This session offers a close-up investigation of the collections to better understand the life of artworks and the challenges of their preservation. Having disappeared from collections for nearly two centuries, the Flower Boat now reclaims its place at the château. This exceptional rediscovery is an opportunity to revisit the extraordinary fate of a flagship work and the research that enabled its return.
Meet in the château’s forecourt, in front of the “Meeting Point” sign
Free
Booking required via our website, by clicking “Reservation” - Subject to availability (maximum 14 people per tour)
- Bonaparte’s Return
Behind the scenes of a restored masterwork
September 20, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Average duration: 30 minutes
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Château de Malmaison invites you to explore the domain through a lively program of tours, activities, and encounters. Step into the backstage of restoring one of the museum’s emblematic masterpieces: The First Consul Crossing the Alps at the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass. Conservation, restoration, restitution: what choices does a work demand? Through the study of this major restoration, museum conservators reveal the scientific and technical challenges accompanying the rediscovery of a painting, from its material history to details revealed by analyses.
From the study of the artwork to the interventions carried out, this session offers a close-up inquiry of the collections to better understand the life of œuvres and the challenges of their preservation. After six months of restoration at the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF), David’s tableau now returns to its place at Malmaison and offers a new view of this iconic Napoleonic image.
Meet in the château’s forecourt, in front of the “Meeting Point” sign
Free
Booking required via our website, by clicking “Reservation” - Subject to availability (maximum 14 people per tour)
- Imperial Beehives - Small Courtyard, Big Organization
Some days until September 20, 2026
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Château de Malmaison invites you to discover the estate through a colorful program, paced by tours, activities, and encounters. Between nature and know-how, this activity invites you into the fascinating world of bees.
Accompanied by the Malmaison honey producer, explore the heart of a hive’s life and learn more about these insects essential to biodiversity. Through a digital device, observe the colony’s organization, the roles of different bees, and the steps that turn flower nectar into honey. Tasting Malmaison honey is an opportunity to extend conversations with the beekeeper about the trade, pollination, and the close link between bees and the estate gardens.
Courtyard of the Carriage Pavilion
Free
- The Final Bouquet - Floral Art in Malmaison Style
Some days until September 20, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Average duration: 2 hours
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Château de Malmaison invites you to discover the estate through a vibrant program of tours, activities, and encounters. Learn the art of floral arranging through an activity inspired by the gardens, the interiors, and the château’s history.
With the estate gardeners, compose your own bouquet and explore the connections between flowers and the art of living at Malmaison. From plant selection to harmony of forms and balance of compositions, discover how floral arrangements help stage interiors and extend the spirit of the estate’s gardens. At the end of the workshop, take home your bouquet as a memento of a unique Malmaison experience.
All materials provided on site.
Educational space of the Château de Malmaison
Free
Adults and children (from 10 years old)
Booking required via our website, by clicking “Reservation” - Subject to availability (maximum 10 participants per workshop)
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
A visit not to be missed if you love history and castles!
European Heritage Days 2026: the most beautiful castles to discover in Paris and Île-de-France
