PARIS (NEXSTAR) – The U.S. embassy in Paris has been home to 15 U.S. ambassadors over the past 50 years. U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco Denise Bauer currently lives in the opulent residence located in the 8th arrondissement.
“I truly look at it as America’s home in France and it represents our country well,” Bauer said.
One of the home’s most famous pieces is a painting of George Washington after the Battle of Princeton. The State Department recently verified that it was painted in 1779 by American painter Charles Willson Peale.
“Well, it’s an extraordinary space which has been owned by a number of people, including a woman who was originally from New Orleans and became American through the Louisiana Purchase but later owned by the Rothschild family who fled during World War II,” Bauer said. “After the war, the U.S. government bought the residence.”
With the Olympic Games now in full swing in Paris, Bauer said she is most looking forward to attending the equestrian events at the Palace of Versailles.
“I love horses and grew up around horses so anything equestrian would be wonderful. I also happen to know one of the young women who hopefully will be riding representing the United States in the Paralympics. So, I’ll very very much be hoping that I can watch that,” Bauer said.
The ambassador is also excited about breaking making its Olympic debut at the 2024 Games.
“The thing that struck me was how incredibly fit and athletic they all are. I mean it’s quite extraordinary. And I think it’s going to be fun and it’s all going to take place right out on the Place de la Concorde right by our embassy,” Bauer said.
