History of presidential residences

Visit the iconic locations of the French Presidency and discover their history through digital technology.

01 The Élysée palace

From the monarchy to the Fifth Republic, with its many owners and multiple uses, the Élysée Palace has witnessed the construction of modern France. Reveal all its secrets and return to when it was built in 1722.

History of the palace

300 years of Élysée history

From Madame de Pompadour to General de Gaulle, many renowned figures have helped make the Palace what it is today.

Journey to the past

The beginnings of the Élysée

Ready to travel back in time? Jump back to the Paris of 1722 and see what the Palace looked like when first built.

Aux origines de l'Elysée

Plongez dans le Paris de 1722 et découvrez le palais tel qu'il était à son origine.

Rooms of the Élysée palace

Discover each room

The aide-de-camp Room © Présidence de la République

Cleopatra Room © Présidence de la République - Adagp, Paris, 2023

Ambassadors’ Room © Présidence de la République

Salon Pompadour © Présidence de la République

Portraits Room © Présidence de la République

Golden Room © Présidence de la République

Tapestry Room © Présidence de la République

Murat Room © Présidence de la République

Napoleon III Room © Présidence de la République

Virtual tour

The Élysée Palace today

See works of art and historical anecdotes on a tour through the Palace.

02 Brégançon fort

Le fort de Brégançon

The history of Brégançon Fort and its association with Presidents

In 1968, Brégançon Fort, a fortified stately residence from the Middle Ages, became the official residence for Presidents of the French Republic, at the suggestion of General de Gaulle.

Discover the other residencies used by the Presidency

More information

03 The Élysée gift shop

Gift shop

A selection of 200 French-made gifts

Discover our French brands and help preserve and promote the Élysée Palace through your purchases.

Former Presidents

Discover the stories of those who shaped the destiny of the French Republic
Founding texts

See the major texts upon which the French Republic has been founded since 1791
Symbols

See the symbols of the French Republic: the flag, Marianne, the national anthem, the rooster
Institutions

Discover the institutions of the Fifth Republic: the President, the Constitutional Council, the Parliament, etc.