Elysee Palace (Palais de l'Elysee) description and photos - France: Paris (Topic)

Elysee Palace (Palais de l'Elysee) description and photos - France: Paris. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Palais de l'Elysee.

Photo and description

The words “Elysee Palace” mean the supreme power of France rather than an architectural landmark, the standard of French classicism. In guidebooks to Paris, the palace is given a modest place - the fact that the residence of the President of France is almost inaccessible to visitors affects. Now excursions are held here only once a month, and more recently the chances to inspect the palace fell out only once a year.

The palace got its name from the main street of Paris, the Champs Elysees, in the park part of which the residence is located. The palace was built in the 18th century as a private mansion. Since 1753, it was owned by the favorite of Louis XV, Madame Pompadour. Then the palace passed from hand to hand until Marshal Joachim Murat handed it over to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1848, the Elysee Palace was declared the official residence of the head of the Second Republic, and since 1873 it finally became the residence of the country's president.

The palace was thoroughly rebuilt on the eve of the 1899 World Exhibition: the Festive Hall appeared here. Since then, the appearance of the building has not changed much, only technical improvements have appeared: electricity, telephone, central heating. The last major change was the installation under President Giscard d'Estaing of a well-fortified underground "Cabinet of Jupiter", from where the commander-in-chief of the French armed forces can issue orders for the use of nuclear weapons.

As for the interior decoration, at one time General de Gaulle decided to use the Gold Salon, located on the second floor, as his office - this tradition has been preserved. In the former Musical Salon of Madame Pompadour, the Council of Ministers of France meets every Wednesday.

The halls for official receptions are located in the western wing of the palace. In the former Winter Garden, protocol presidential dinners are served. In the east wing are the private chambers of the presidential couple.

Every year on July 14, Bastille Day, celebrations are held in the gardens of the palace to mark a public holiday - the day of the French Republic.

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Topic: Elysee Palace (Palais de l'Elysee) description and photos - France: Paris.