Description of the attraction
The words "Elysee Palace" mean rather the supreme power of France 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 in 1873 it finally became the residence of the country's president.
The palace was extensively rebuilt on the eve of the 1899 World Exhibition: the Festive Hall appeared here. Since then, the appearance of the building has hardly changed, only technical improvements have appeared: electricity, telephone, central heating. The latest major change has been the establishment under President Giscard d'Estaing of a well-fortified underground "Cabinet of Jupiter," from where the French commander-in-chief can issue orders to use nuclear weapons.
As for the interior decoration, at one time General de Gaulle decided to use the Golden Salon, located on the second floor, as his study - 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, festivities are held in the gardens of the palace on the occasion of a public holiday - the day of the French Republic.
