Paris is a city with a glorious centuries-old history, famous for its magnificent monuments of culture and architecture. In this article we will introduce you to the Paris residence of the head of state. The Champs Elysees is closed throughout the year for visits to the general public. Only in September, on one of the weekends, the Parisians and guests of this city were given the opportunity to inspect some of the rooms of the magnificent building.
The Champs Elysees in Paris is the main state building, a symbol of the country's supreme power, the standard of French classicism. It is separated by dense greenery from the famous Champs Elysees and a high wall from St. Honore. This building, famous for its architecture and playing a special role on the historical stage, has never occupied such an exceptional place that is assigned to the Louvre, Versailles or Tuileries. Nevertheless, he was and will forever be one of the most significant architectural monuments of France.
Location
The Champs Elysees is located next to the famous Champs Elysees. It is the municipal property and landmark of Paris. Every traveler arriving in the country seeks to see the Champs Elysees. Its address is 55 Saint-Honore street. This is the VIII arrondissement of Paris.
Historical reference
In 1718, Earl Evreux ordered the construction of the mansion, led by architect Claude Mollet, to begin. Construction work lasted four years. As a result, a magnificent magnificent building appeared in the capital of France, made in the style of the French regency.
On the one hand (from the Champs Elysees) a beautiful garden was created with various species of shrubs, flowers and trees. On the other hand, the territory of the palace is bounded by Sainte Honore.
The owners of the palace
After Count Evreux left this world, the mansion was bought from his relatives by King Louis XV. He presented him as a gift to Madame de Pompadour, his favorite. Subsequently, she bequeathed to his relatives to the king. Possession ceded to them in 1764.
Together with his retinue, Louis XVI arranged sessions of black magic and spiritualism in the palace. Then the banker Beaujon became the owner of the magnificent building. He made some changes to the layout of the palace - with him there was a gallery of paintings.
The next owner of the legendary building was the Duchess of Bourbon. Marshal Murat completed the list of private owners of the palace.
Government building
After the coups, as a result of which Napoleon I came to power, the Champs Elysees was first used as a government building. However, he received the status of an official government residence under Louis Napoleon Bonaparte in 1848.
I must say that Napoleon III did not work and did not live in the palace. He preferred apartments in the Tuileries. However, it was he who initiated the biggest changes and perestroika in the palace. They were held from 1853 to 1867. Led by the world famous architect Lacroix. During this period, the Champs Elysees acquired the characteristic features of French classics. In this form, he appears before the tourists today.
Here, restoration and repair work is systematically carried out, new elements are introduced into the interior, but the general style of the building is strictly observed.
Description
Photos of the Champs Elysees often adorn the covers of glossy publications, so those who have never been to the capital of France have a general idea of this magnificent building. The palace was built in accordance with the tastes and requirements of its era. He is a typical example of classicism.
A three-story central building is separated from the street by a semicircular courtyard closed on all sides. On the reverse side (from the Champs Elysees) is a park. In the depths of it are the "Rooster Gate". They got such a strange name because of the figure of the Gallic rooster (gilded) located above the forged arch . For a long time it is a symbol of France.
The gate was created by Adrian Chansel in the years of the Third Republic. Today it is the main entrance to the territory intended for officials. From the side of Gabrielle Avenue and the Champs Elysees is another front door. It is used for meetings of kings, presidents, as well as the pope. From Sainte Honore, you can look at the facade of the building. Unlike the "Rooster Gate", this entrance to the palace is a working one. It is used by the president of the country.
Champs Elysees in Paris: interiors
We have already said that for tourists there is no permanent access to the presidential palace. Nevertheless, everyone who really wants to see his interior decoration can do this on a weekend in early September. Very detailed excursions are not held here at this time, but some of the halls and rooms of the palace will be shown and told by experienced French guides.
As a rule, the main premises of the palace, the president’s personal office located in the Golden Salon, are of great interest to tourists. This is an interesting building, decorated with unique tapestries, carpets and Baroque furniture, paintings on the walls and ceiling, luxurious Baroque furniture. Undoubtedly, such an office, thanks to luxurious decoration, is worthy of a king.
Solemn Hall
In accordance with the protocol, the President of France meets the heads of state who arrive on a visit to the Champs Elysees in the lobby. The grand hall is decorated using white Carrara and Belgian red marble. It is illuminated by a magnificent bronze chandelier with gilding.
The central mirror reflects the sculptural composition of Arman - "The Retribution of the French Revolution." It consists of 200 flags made of white marble, on bronze gilded flagpoles.
The salons of the palace
The Pompadour salon is decorated with a large portrait of the king's favorite. Today, every Wednesday there are meetings of the Council of Ministers. Meetings are held at a huge table, which occupies almost the entire room. The president and the prime minister are sitting opposite each other. Between them, a double brass dial watch from yellow brass is installed, which allows the first persons of the country to simultaneously check the exact time.
Murat's drawing room
In the drawing rooms of the palace, the President of France receives ambassadors, representatives of foreign states and other officials. The safety of the palace is provided by the Republican Guard soldiers.
In the Murat’s drawing room, the images of the brother-in-law of Napoleon I - Joachim Murat by Horace Verne are hung on the walls. The furniture in this most famous building of the palace dates from 1819. Here is an old bureau, behind which the Emperor Napoleon wrote a renunciation of power.
In addition to these premises, tourists will be able to see some other chambers that have witnessed important historical events. The dining room of Francois Mitterrand, the Silver Room, the office of the president - each of these rooms will amaze the guests with magnificent decoration and sophistication.
If you plan to visit the Champs Elysees in early September, check the hours of work (excursions) with tour operators. In addition, such information can be provided to you in almost every hotel.
Champs Elysees in Paris: interesting facts
Not everyone knows that in the basement of the palace is the holy of holies of France, where no tourist can ever get. It is about the cabinet of Jupiter, from which the president of the country can activate the nuclear forces of France.
There are three television screens here, through which a direct connection is made between the president, the command of the strategic air forces and the minister of defense.
An interesting fact: according to the approved protocol, 60 cm is allocated for each guest at the “main table” in France. When the reception is held for especially important people, another 10 centimeters are added. In this case, the chairs give way to chairs.
All dining utensils of the palace are especially kept. A separate room is reserved for her. It has 35 wooden chests. In them, as well as in special leather cases and containers, dishes are stored.
The duties of the chef of the Champs Elysees include maintaining a card file menu. This is necessary to exclude the repetition of dishes for visitors to the palace who dine here not for the first time. According to the protocol, dinner cannot last longer than sixty-five minutes.
Not everyone knows that Alexander Herzen lived on Marigny Avenue, which stretched along the eastern side of the palace in 1848 . Here he wrote Letters from Avenue Marigny.