People brave the rain to visit the French Mansion.

On September 21st, coinciding with European Heritage Days, the French Residence in Ho Chi Minh City opened its doors to the public. This year, the event revolved around the theme of the Francophone Community, coinciding with France hosting the Francophone Summit on October 4th and 5th.

Despite the heavy rain, many people braved the weather early in the morning to queue up and visit the French Residence – a prime example of late 19th-century Indochinese architecture.

People braved the rain to queue up for a visit to the French Palace. Photo: DO VAN

The weather then improved, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the number of visitors to the Palace increased. This year, 1,600 tour slots were registered with the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, an increase of 300 slots compared to last year.

Visitors inside the French Palace, where many antique artifacts are displayed. Photo: DO VAN

Thanks to good organization, the flow of visitors touring the Palace was orderly, following the instructions of the French Consulate General staff.

Visitors receive enthusiastic guidance from Consulate General staff. Photo: DO VAN

Visitors to the mansion are of all ages, from elderly people…

Photo: DO VAN

...to young people

Photo: DO VAN

Among the visitors to the French Mansion on September 21st was Miss Vietnam Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien.

The French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, introduces the French-style table setting to Miss Thuy Tien. Photo: KHANH DUY

The French mansion also serves as a private park spanning over 1.5 hectares, boasting numerous ancient trees and harboring a true ecosystem home to civets, squirrels, rare birds, and more.

Photo: DO VAN

Many visitors took the opportunity to capture memorable photos at the mansion built by naval engineers in 1872.

Photo: DO VAN

European Heritage Days originated as a French initiative. First held in 1984, the event was conceived by the French Ministry of Culture. On this occasion, the public had the opportunity to visit buildings that were normally closed to visitors due to their use for other purposes (administrative, diplomatic , economic, etc.). The success of this initiative led the Council of Europe to decide to expand the event to the entire European Union starting in 1985. By 2000, the event was renamed European Heritage Days.

DO VAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguoi-dan-doi-mua-tham-quan-dinh-thu-phap-post760054.html