Set amidst the tranquil surroundings of Rueil-Malmaison, just a short journey from the bustling heart of Paris, lies the enchanting Château de Bois-Préau. This 19th-century château is a testament to French elegance and historical depth, offering visitors a serene escape into the past. With its sprawling English-style park and rich Napoleonic history, the Château de Bois-Préau is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The history of Bois-Préau dates back to the Middle Ages when the land belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Denis. In 1696, Frédéric Léonard and his son Frédéric-Pierre Léonard, both royal printers and booksellers, acquired the estate. They constructed a grand residence between 1697 and 1700, surrounded by meticulously designed gardens and water features, laying the foundation for what would become the Château de Bois-Préau.
The estate changed hands several times over the ensuing centuries, each owner leaving their mark. In 1747, it was sold to Jean Garnier, a former cook turned maître d'hôtel to Queen Marie Leszczynska. Garnier enhanced the property by adding a bathhouse and adorning the park with statues. The château then passed to the Marquis de Prie in 1765, who enlisted architect Claude Bacarit to transform the building.
In 1799, the illustrious Joséphine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, purchased the neighboring Château de Malmaison. She sought to expand her domain by acquiring Bois-Préau, but its owner, Anne-Marie Julien, resisted selling. It was only after Anne-Marie's tragic death in 1808 that Joséphine could finally purchase the estate in 1810. She merged Bois-Préau with Malmaison, creating a vast, interconnected property where she housed her staff, overflow from her library, and part of her natural history collection.
Following Joséphine's death in 1814, her son, Prince Eugène, inherited Bois-Préau. He maintained the estate with great care until his death in 1824. The property then passed through several owners, including the banker Édouard Rodrigues-Henriques in 1853, who undertook significant renovations. He demolished the wings of the château and reconstructed the main building, possibly with the help of architect Alfred-Louis Feydeau.
During Rodrigues-Henriques's ownership, the château became a cultural hub, hosting notable figures such as composers Jacques Fromental Halévy and Georges Bizet, as well as the writer George Sand. The estate was eventually sold to various owners, including the American philanthropist Edward Tuck, who donated Bois-Préau to the French state in 1926 to serve as an annex to the Malmaison Museum.
Today, the Château de Bois-Préau stands as a testament to its storied past. The château itself is surrounded by a 16.1-hectare English-style park, which once seamlessly connected to the Château de Malmaison. This picturesque park features an ornamental pond, an artificial river, and several bicentennial trees, including Byzantine hazelnuts. It is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the modern world.
Within the park, visitors can admire several sculptures, including a statue of Empress Joséphine by Gabriel Vital Dubray, created in 1865. Although the original statue has been replaced by a replica to preserve it from the elements, it remains a focal point of the park, alongside other sculptures such as The Eagle, The Reader, and The Thought.
Since 1958, the château has housed a national museum dedicated to the captivity and death of Napoleon on Saint Helena, the return of his ashes, and the Napoleonic legend. Although the museum is currently closed for renovations, it promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into this pivotal period of history once it reopens.
The restoration efforts include the grand neo-Louis XV salon on the ground floor and the recreation of the Longwood House salon on the first floor, showcasing original furniture from Napoleon's residence on Saint Helena. Additionally, the château's library will feature an exceptional collection of thousands of boxes bearing Napoleon's effigy, donated by Princess Marie Bonaparte in 1958.
While the permanent exhibits are being renovated, the Château de Bois-Préau continues to host temporary exhibitions that delve into various aspects of Napoleonic history. Recent exhibitions have included Eugène de Beauharnais, a European Prince and 1769, Corsica at the Birth of Napoleon Bonaparte, offering visitors fresh perspectives on this fascinating era.
In conclusion, the Château de Bois-Préau is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to France's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Bois-Préau offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your visit to this charming corner of Rueil-Malmaison.
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