Since 1871, the Élysée Palace has stood as the designated official residence of the President of the French Republic. Emmanuel Macron, assuming the presidency in 2017, has been the current occupant of this illustrious palace. Renowned for its opulent decoration and distinctive furnishings, the Élysée Palace stands as the pinnacle of prestige in Paris. Delve into the details of this splendid architectural marvel, a residence that bears significant historical, cultural, and political importance for the country.
French President house: Address
Situated at 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France, the Élysée Palace serves as the official residence of the French President. This magnificent residence boasts a total of three floors, adding to its grandeur and historical significance. Its main building is framed by two separate wings.
French President house: Architecture
The Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, draws its name from the Elysian Fields, a concept from Greek mythology representing the land of the blessed dead. Designed by architect Armand Claude Mollet, the residence is an embodiment of the Classic Louis style of architecture, contributing to its timeless elegance. Renowned for its captivating architecture and expansive grounds, the Élysée Palace stands as one of the most prestigious houses in Paris.
The impact of Empire and Napoleon styles from the 19th century is evident in the additions made to the building, enhancing its historical significance. The palace encompasses sprawling gardens and cottages within its campus, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. The majestic courtyard imparts a sense of grandeur to this palatial mansion, with the core building constructed in the Neoclassical style, further adding to its architectural splendor.
Source: Elysee.fr
French President house: Interiors
The primary entrance of the Élysée Palace, located at 55 Rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré, unveils the prestigious Cour d’Honneur. Connecting the gardens to Avenue Gabriel, which runs alongside the lower section of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Grille du Coq is a notable feature. All rooms within the palace offer scenic views of the gardens, except for the Vestibule d’ Honneur, which opens to the Cour d’Honneur. Here are some key highlights of the Élysée Palace.
Élysée Palace: Cour d’Honneur and Vestibule d’Honneur (The Grand Entrance Hall)
Dignitaries, heads of state, ministers and official guests are welcomed into the Élysée Palace through the distinguished Cour d’Honneur, where they are greeted by the president in the Vestibule D’Honneur. The Hall of Honour, a vast and luminous space, is adorned with white and red marble tiles, Doric pilasters and a striking sculpture titled ‘Tribute to the French Revolution’ by Arman, adding to the palace’s architectural splendor.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Salon Doré (Golden Room)
The Salon Doré, serving as the president’s official study at Élysée Palace, unquestionably lives up to its name. Situated at the heart of the mansion, this room has meticulously preserved its decor, crafted in 1861 by the painter Jean-Louis Gogon for Empress Eugénie. Adorned with Gobelins tapestries, carpets from the Manufacture Nationale de la Savonnerie, a Napoleon III crystal chandelier, and a chest of drawers by André Boulle, the room’s centerpiece is the Louis XV style desk, a masterpiece created by the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent in the 18th century.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Salle des Fêtes (Banqueting Hall)
Salle des Fêtes is the lavish Banqueting Hall located in the western wing of the Elysee Palace. It was served for official ceremonies, important state dinners and receptions. Guillaume Dubufe painted in 1896 the panels of the boxed ceiling. The Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins produced the (18th century) tapestries that adorn the walls. It features expansive French windows that let in plenty of natural light, making the space airy.
Source: Wikipedia (Pinterest)
Élysée Palace: Jardin d’Hiver (Winter Garden)
Connected to the Salle des Fêtes, the Winter Garden at Élysée Palace is a greenhouse constructed in 1881 specifically for cultivating exotic plants. Subject to complete refitting in 1976 and 1984, the room features a massive tapestry portraying a scene from the Bible on its western wall. Identical to those in the Salle des Fêtes and Salon Napoleon III, the crystal chandeliers date back to the 19th century. Presently, the Winter Garden is utilized for official receptions and occasional working meetings.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Salon Murat (Murat Room)
The Salon Murat at Élysée Palace has been the venue for the Conseil des Ministres (Council of Ministers) meetings since the presidency of George Pompidou. Every Wednesday morning, the council convenes around the expansive table that occupies the entire room. The president assumes a central position, facing the prime minister during these important sessions. Historically, this room was adorned in honor of Joachim Murat, Napoleon I’s brother-in-law.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Salon des Ambassadeurs (Ambassadors Room)
Once Murat’s ballroom, the Salon des Ambassadeurs at Élysée Palace is presently utilized by the president for meetings with foreign diplomats, adding to its historical significance. This room stands as one of the most prestigious in the palace. Noteworthy features include a clock on the fireplace with a dial indicating the month, moon phases, and zodiac signs. The salon is further adorned with a bronze statuette of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a carpet woven in 1990 within the workshops of the Manufacture Nationale de la Savonnerie and a chandelier dating from the Bourbon Restoration.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Salon des Aides de Camp
The Salon des Aides-de-Camp at Élysée Palace, currently designated for receiving guests, retains its 1720s decoration from the era of the Count of Évreux. Despite the 19th-century restoration, the room has preserved its original charm, featuring woodwork adorned with feminine masks and mirrors. Overdoors, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III in 1859 from painter Charles Landelle, depict allegories of the elements: Earth, water, fire, and air, as well as discord and peace. A full restoration of the room’s decoration took place in the summer of 2018, with furnishings reviewed by the Mobilier National to ensure suitability. The suite, designed by Thierry Lemaire, seamlessly integrates with its historic surroundings.
Source: Elysee.fr
Élysée Palace: Gardens
The gardens of Élysée Palace were originally conceived in the French style, featuring interlaced greenery separated by quadrilateral gravel pathways, encompassing a more extensive area than their present size. The Marquise de Pompadour brought a touch of rustic fantasy to the gardens, introducing elements like a grotto, a maze, a waterfall and even animals. Towards the end of the 18th century, the Duchess de Bourbon reimagined the gardens into an English-style setting. The sweeping lawns replaced flowerbeds and pathways, incorporating winding paths, a theater of greenery, an irregularly shaped pond, and a rocky bridge. She introduced various attractions, such as a swing, ring jousting, and rowing boats, commercially opening the gardens to the public. Over the course of the 19th century, these attractions gradually disappeared, and the gardens adopted their current appearance, showcasing a blend of French and English styles, including features like knot garden box hedges in front of the private wing.
Source: Snippets of Paris (Pinterest)
FAQs
Where is the official residence of the French President located?
The Élysée Palace, the official residence of the President of the French Republic, is situated at 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France.
How many floors does the Élysée Palace have, and what is its architectural style?
The Élysée Palace boasts three floors and is designed in the Classic Louis style of architecture. Architect Armand Claude Mollet played a significant role in shaping its captivating design.
What is the primary entrance of the Élysée Palace called, and how does it welcome dignitaries?
Dignitaries, heads of state, and official guests enter the Élysée Palace through the distinguished Cour d’Honneur. The president welcomes them in the Vestibule D’Honneur, a vast and luminous space adorned with white and red marble tiles, Doric pilasters, and a sculpture titled ‘Tribute to the French Revolution’ by Arman.
Can visitors explore specific rooms within the Élysée Palace, and if so, which ones are notable?
While the Élysée Palace is primarily the official residence of the president, certain rooms have historical and cultural significance. Notable rooms include the Salon Doré (Golden Room), Salle des Fêtes (Banqueting Hall), Winter Garden, Salon Murat, Salon des Ambassadeurs, and Salon des Aides-de-Camp.
What is the history behind the gardens of Élysée Palace, and what is their current appearance?
Originally designed in the French style with interlaced greenery, the gardens underwent transformations by the Marquise de Pompadour and later the Duchess de Bourbon. Today, they reflect a blend of French and English styles, featuring knot garden box hedges and showcasing a variety of elements.
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