Just once per year for a weekend, the Élysée Palace, private residence of the President opens up for public viewing. And so this saturday, my friends and I stood in line for eight hours (yes. eight. whole. hours) just to be able to take a walk inside the most prestigious French castles of all.
back of the residence
library
salon
Salle des Fêtes. Ideal setting for official ceremonies.
Fine silverware from the 19th century
18th century cookware currently still in use to serve the President
precious silverware still in use today
the rooftop terrace allows guards to patrol the area
As you may have noticed, I have a thing for château's, especially French ones. They always tell wonderful stories of history's great civilizations' rise and fall. And somehow, you are always reminded that history...always repeats itself.