Brief reminder of Part 1 (without mistake ) :.
The Hôtel Matignon is the residence of the Prime Minister. Its history dates back to the 18th century. Since its construction, this private mansion has had many owners. However, in 1922, Gaston Doumergue, President of the Council, wanted it to become state property. It is one of the most elegant hotels in Paris.
The configuration is remarkable, since it is made up of a sucession of salons with colourful names (red, blue and yellow ) followed by the Council Chamber. Let us mention the specificitie of the red lounge which was the former throne room of the princes of Monaco. As for the blue room, which was used as a cabinet by the princes of Monaco, it now welcomes foreign personalities on officiel trips. At the top of the grand staircase is the Prime Minister ' s office, preceded by an antroom, where those who are to have an interview with the head of government wait. This prestigious seting houses the collections of the Mobilier national. This is how one can admire the rich rocaille woodwork in the suite of salons furnished with Louis XV period gided wood seats upolstered in silk damask and a Gobelins tapetry from the Don Quixote hanging in the Council Chamber.
The exterior has nothing to envie to the interior as this hotel has a garden of more than two hectares, which makes it the largest private garden in Paris.
While the Elysée was very early on the property of the King, then of the Emperor before passing to the Republic, Matignon, on the other hand, did not enter the domaine of the State until after the First World War. |
