Armenia Acquires Former French President's Mansion in Paris for €23 Million to Serve as New Embassy Building

Armenia has made a significant investment in France by purchasing a new embassy building for €23 million. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, currently on a working visit to France, announced the acquisition through a video shared on his Facebook page. The newly purchased building once served as the residence of former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, adding historical value to Armenia’s growing diplomatic assets.

In his video message, Pashinyan proudly revealed that the Republic of Armenia had acquired the prestigious property in Paris. “It turns out that it was the residence of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. We bought it for 23 million euros, and now it is the property of the Republic of Armenia,” he said.

This acquisition follows a decision made by the Armenian government earlier in 2024. The government approved the purchase of a new embassy building to meet the growing needs of Armenian diplomatic activities in France. This move is Armenia's commitment to enhancing its international presence, particularly in countries with which it has strong historical and cultural ties, such as France.

The newly purchased embassy building is located in the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris, a well-known area for its historical and political significance. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, who served as France’s president from 1974 to 1981, lived in the building since 1956, making it not only a valuable piece of real estate but also a property rich in history.

The decision to acquire this particular property was influenced by the need for a larger and more modern embassy space. The current Armenian embassy in Paris has been operating in a building provided under a contract that is set to expire in 2025. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan, the current building also houses Armenia’s permanent representations to UNESCO and La Francophonie. However, with the growing scope of Armenia’s diplomatic work, the current space has become insufficient. 

The new building will provide much-needed room for expansion and allow Armenia to better accommodate its diplomatic staff, visitors, and international activities. This purchase underscores the importance of France as a key partner for Armenia, both in diplomatic and cultural terms.

The Armenian government allocated funds equivalent to €23 million from the 2024 state budget for the purchase. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversaw the acquisition process. The sale price, negotiated after extensive discussions, was considered a good deal by Armenian officials, with reputable appraisal organizations estimating the building's real value to be significantly higher than the purchase price.

The acquisition process also required the payment of state taxes, amounting to 7.5% of the building’s value. Despite these costs, the government believes the investment is well worth it, given the strategic location and the building’s historical importance.

France has long been a key ally of Armenia, particularly in the context of Armenia’s political and cultural ties to Europe. The new embassy building serves not only as a practical solution to Armenia’s current diplomatic needs but also as a symbol of the deepening relationship between Armenia and France.

France has supported Armenia in various international forums, and the two countries share strong cultural ties through the Armenian diaspora in France. The new embassy will provide a more prominent platform for Armenia to engage with French officials, the Armenian community, and international organizations based in Paris.

The building’s historical significance is another reason the acquisition has drawn attention. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who passed away in 2020, was a pivotal figure in French politics and European integration. His residence, now the new Armenian embassy, is a reminder of his legacy. Giscard d’Estaing is remembered for his efforts to modernize French society and for playing a key role in the creation of the European Union.

Interestingly, this is not the first time a property tied to Giscard d'Estaing has made headlines. In 2012, he auctioned off his 15th-century château, Château de Varvasse, located in the village of Chanonat. The auction attracted a diverse crowd of collectors and history enthusiasts, shows the ongoing interest in the former president’s legacy.Armenia has made a significant investment in France by purchasing a new embassy building for €23 million. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, currently on a working visit to France, announced the acquisition through a video shared on his Facebook page.

The newly purchased building once served as the residence of former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, adding historical value to Armenia’s growing diplomatic assets.

In his video message, Pashinyan proudly revealed that the Republic of Armenia had acquired the prestigious property in Paris. “It turns out that it was the residence of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. We bought it for 23 million euros, and now it is the property of the Republic of Armenia,” he said.

This acquisition follows a decision made by the Armenian government earlier in 2024. The government approved the purchase of a new embassy building to meet the growing needs of Armenian diplomatic activities in France. This move is Armenia's commitment to enhancing its international presence, particularly in countries with which it has strong historical and cultural ties, such as France.

The newly purchased embassy building is located in the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris, a well-known area for its historical and political significance. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, who served as France’s president from 1974 to 1981, lived in the building since 1956, making it not only a valuable piece of real estate but also a property rich in history.

The decision to acquire this particular property was influenced by the need for a larger and more modern embassy space. The current Armenian embassy in Paris has been operating in a building provided under a contract that is set to expire in 2025. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan, the current building also houses Armenia’s permanent representations to UNESCO and La Francophonie. However, with the growing scope of Armenia’s diplomatic work, the current space has become insufficient. 

The new building will provide much-needed room for expansion and allow Armenia to better accommodate its diplomatic staff, visitors, and international activities. This purchase underscores the importance of France as a key partner for Armenia, both in diplomatic and cultural terms.

The Armenian government allocated funds equivalent to €23 million from the 2024 state budget for the purchase. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversaw the acquisition process. The sale price, negotiated after extensive discussions, was considered a good deal by Armenian officials, with reputable appraisal organizations estimating the building's real value to be significantly higher than the purchase price.

The acquisition process also required the payment of state taxes, amounting to 7.5% of the building’s value. Despite these costs, the government believes the investment is well worth it, given the strategic location and the building’s historical importance.

France has long been a key ally of Armenia, particularly in the context of Armenia’s political and cultural ties to Europe. The new embassy building serves not only as a practical solution to Armenia’s current diplomatic needs but also as a symbol of the deepening relationship between Armenia and France.

France has supported Armenia in various international forums, and the two countries share strong cultural ties through the Armenian diaspora in France. The new embassy will provide a more prominent platform for Armenia to engage with French officials, the Armenian community, and international organizations based in Paris.

The building’s historical significance is another reason the acquisition has drawn attention. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who passed away in 2020, was a pivotal figure in French politics and European integration. His residence, now the new Armenian embassy, is a reminder of his legacy. Giscard d’Estaing is remembered for his efforts to modernize French society and for playing a key role in the creation of the European Union.

Interestingly, this is not the first time a property tied to Giscard d'Estaing has made headlines. In 2012, he auctioned off his 15th-century château, Château de Varvasse, located in the village of Chanonat. The auction attracted a diverse crowd of collectors and history enthusiasts, shows the ongoing interest in the former president’s legacy.