The Forêt domaniale de Malmaison, in Rueil-Malmaison, covers around 200 hectares approximately ten kilometres from Paris. It is closely linked to the history of Joséphine de Beauharnais's estate, who acquired some of this land from 1800 to expand the Domaine de Malmaison.
Around Étang de Saint-Cucufa
Étang de Saint-Cucufa is one of the forest's main walking destinations. Trails allow visitors to explore freely and connect the pond to the various forest paths.
The forest is open all year in 2026 and entry is free. Animals are allowed. Several forest roads close to vehicle traffic every weekend, from Friday evening to Monday morning, making walking and cycling easier in part of the woodland.
The site also retains traces of imperial history: Napoleon III bought the forest back in 1856, before it became state property in 1871.
Malmaison stands out for its combination of extensive suburban woodland, Étang de Saint-Cucufa and heritage directly linked to Joséphine and imperial history.
