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Elysée Palace facts for kids

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Élysée Palace 2009
Élysée Palace with Republican Guards at the gate.

The Élysée Palace (which in French is Palais de l'Élysée) is the official home and workplace of the President of France. It is located in Paris, the capital city of France. You can find it in the 8th part of the city, not far from the famous Champs-Élysées avenue. A special group of soldiers called the Republican Guard protects the building. The palace was built a long time ago, between 1718 and 1722.

The Élysée Palace: France's Presidential Home

The Élysée Palace is more than just a beautiful building. It's where the leader of France lives and works. Imagine living in a place where important decisions for a whole country are made! This grand palace has seen many historical moments and is a key symbol of French power.

What is the Élysée Palace?

The Élysée Palace is the official residence of the French President. This means it's where the president lives and carries out their duties. It's like the White House in the United States, but for France. The palace is in the heart of Paris, making it a very important and central location for the country's government.

A Look at Its History

The Élysée Palace was first built for a nobleman named Louis Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, the Count of Évreux. He started building it in 1718 and it was finished in 1722. After him, it had many different owners, including Madame de Pompadour, who was a close friend of King Louis XV.

Later, during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, the palace became a place for important government events. It officially became the home of the French President in 1848. Since then, almost every French president has lived and worked there.

What Happens Inside?

The Élysée Palace is a very busy place. The President of France holds important meetings there every day. They meet with their government ministers, foreign leaders, and other important people. Laws are discussed and signed, and major decisions about France's future are made within its walls. It's where the president leads the country and represents France to the rest of the world.

Exploring the Palace Rooms

The Élysée Palace has many beautiful and historic rooms. Each room has its own special purpose.

Important Rooms in the Palace

  • Salon des Ambassadeurs: This is where the President officially receives new ambassadors from other countries.
  • Salon Murat: This large room is often used for important meetings with the French government.
  • Salon Doré: This is the President's main office, where they work and make many important decisions. It's called the "Golden Room" because of its rich decoration.
  • Salle des Fêtes: This grand ballroom is used for large ceremonies, state dinners, and important receptions.

Gardens and Security

The Élysée Palace also has beautiful gardens where the President can relax or host outdoor events. These gardens offer a peaceful escape in the middle of busy Paris. The entire palace and its grounds are protected by the Republican Guard. These are highly trained soldiers who ensure the safety of the President and the palace at all times. They are known for their impressive uniforms and strict discipline.

Images for kids

  • Hyacinthe Rigaud - Louis Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne - 2

    The Count of Évreux, by Hyacinthe Rigaud, circa 1720

  • The grounds of the Hôtel d'Évreux (present Palais de l'Élysée) from the Turgot map of Paris circa 1737

    The Hôtel d'Évreux and its gardens circa 1737

  • Palais de l'Elysée

    The southern façade seen from the gardens

  • Palais de l'Elysée - Journées du Patrimoine 2014 001

    The Élysée Palace seen from the gardens

  • 2012 inauguration of the French President-IMG 1631

    Outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy and incoming President François Hollande, surrounded by Republican Guards, in the interior court during the ceremony of transmission of the mandate in 2012.

  • Jardin Élysée depuis le Salon Dorée

    Gardens of the Élysée Palace

  • Palais de l'Elysée - Grille d'honneur

    The entrance gate of the Elysée Palace seen from the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

  • Salon des Ambassadeurs 2

    Salon des Ambassadeurs

  • Salon cleopatre 1

    Salon Cléopâtre

  • Elysee CSCE 1990 29-0058a

    The Salle des Fêtes during the 1990 Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe conference

  • Palais de l'Elysée 09

    Salon Bleu

  • Bureau salon argent élysée

    Desk in the Salon d'Argent

  • Salon murat 3

    The table in the Salon Murat (Murat Room), where the President holds meetings with the Government of France.

  • Salon des portaits 2

    Salon des Portraits

  • Salon Elysée 326

    Salon Pompadour

  • Escalier murat 2

    The Escalier Murat, linking the ground and first floors

  • Bureau Palais de l'Élysée

    The President's desk in the Salon Doré (Golden Room) in 2008, during the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy

  • SalonDoré

    The President's desk in 2017, during the presidency of Emmanuel Macron

  • Salon vert 3

    The Salon Vert (Green Room)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Palacio del Elíseo para niños

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