lÉlysée

The Palais de l'Élysée, commonly known as the Élysée Palace, is the official residence and the principal workplace of the President of the French Republic. It is located at 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, in the 8th arrondissement, near the Champs-Élysées. The palace is named after the Élysian Fields of Greek mythology and has been associated with the French presidency since the 19th century.

Origin and history: The building began as an 18th-century private townhouse (hôtel particulier). It was acquired by the French state in the early 19th century and has served as the residence of the head of state since 1848, when the republic established the presidency in this building. Over the years it has undergone renovations to accommodate the functions of the presidency, including offices, meeting rooms, and reception spaces.

Functions and access: The Élysée hosts official ceremonies, state visits, and meetings with foreign dignitaries and other representatives. It houses the president's private apartments, official offices, and administrative staff. The palace is not generally open to the public; access is restricted to invited guests and official events, with occasional guided tours or public open days announced by the government.