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Palais de l’Elysée
Strolling down rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is to walk on one of the most luxurious shopping streets in the world. With Hermès, Prada, and Gucci, this exclusive street is quite the place for those special purchases or even just window-shopping. Walking through the area, you may also notice some heightened security or on a normal day two guards in front of a large gate topped with the French flag behind which stands Palais de l’Elysée, the official residence of the French President.
As with many historical buildings in Paris, Palais de l’Elysée has experienced a long history with many different uses. Originally, the Hôtel d’Evreux was completed in 1722 as the home of a count. Later, the palace would become the unpopular residence of King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadou.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s government was the first to officially use Palais de l’Elysée. Since then it has been the residence of Charles de Gaulle, Jacques Chirac, and now Nicolas Sarkozy. State guests are housed nearby at Hôtel de Marigny, another residence. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to walk through Hôtel de Marigny and view the quarters where many international leaders have stayed over the years. Perhaps, the nearness to the street or the lack of groups of tourist gives these buildings an amazing approachability. I have often wondered if visitors may pass with little knowledge of their residents.