Élysée Palace, Presidential office building in Quartier de la Madeleine, France
Élysée Palace comprises 365 rooms spread across three levels, with the main structure linked by two side wings overlooking carefully tended gardens. The compound stretches between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Gabriel across an expansive plot.
Built in 1722 as a private residence for the Count d'Évreux, the building changed hands several times. Since 1873 it has served as the permanent seat for French presidents.
The residence takes its name from the Elysian Fields of Greek mythology, which once inspired the site. Today its rooms serve as the stage for state visits and official ceremonies conducted according to strict protocol.
Access for visitors occurs only through guided tours that require advance booking and take place on select days. Security checks demand valid identification and surrender of personal belongings.
The building contains an underground bunker from the Cold War era, designed as a shelter for the president. A plane tree in the courtyard was planted by Napoleon III himself and survives to this day.
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