Did you know? Emmanuel Macron and Michel Barnier are tenants of two thermal wastes: the Élysée Palace and theHôtel Matignon. Rather logical for two historic monuments built in the 18th century, but far from exemplary for a president and his various governments who have made thethe eradication of thermal flatsa battle horse. And all the more so as, on January 1, 2025, it will be forbidden to rent a thermal colander classified “G” (on the Diagnostic de performance énergétique) for renewed leases or new tenants. Emmanuel Macron has been warned should he change prime minister next year.

This is obviously a joke, but the French, to whom the government is asking them to make an effort to renovate their homesIn the meantime, the public will be moderately pleased to learn that the Palais de l’Élysée and the Hôtel Matignon are dunces when it comes to energy renovation. The presidency says it has committed to “numerous works“: renovation of the first floor lounges, party room, large kitchens and, in June 2023, geothermal work (capturing energy from water in basements to heat or cool rooms, Editor’s note) for commissioning in winter 2024. “Very few listed buildings have undertaken such work“says the French President.

To finance part of this, the Élysée came up with a rather surprising idea, which may well displease some. On July 25, the eve of the Olympic GamesEmmanuel Macron inaugurated the brand-new Élysée boutique (see below), “Maison de l’Élysée”, located opposite the head of state’s official residence and leased by the Presidency of the Republic. This 290 m² boutique (+115 m² in the basement), which also serves as a museum and tea room, “offers nearly 300 products, made in France“produced by 40 companies, ranging from clothing and decorative items to jams, teas and infusions.

An infusion to help renovate the Élysée Palace

For teas and infusions, for example, the Élysée has chosen Kusmi Tea, a brand created over 150 years ago in Saint Petersburg. A visit to one of the brand’s boutiques, taken over by Orientis Gourmet in 2003, will reveal L’Infusion de l’Élysée, sold for 17.90 euros each, bearing the colors of France thanks to hibiscus, cornflower petals, apple, cherry and blueberry.

But it’s on the Kusmi Tea website that you’ll discover a rather unexpected detail: “Sales of L’infusion de l’Élysée help finance the renovation of the Élysée Palace.” “All products sold around the world are subject to a fee, which will finance the renovation of the Élysée Palace.“confirms to Figaro Sylvain Orebi, President of Orientis Gourmet, who declined to provide sales figures.

This rule also applies, unsurprisingly, to the Élysée boutique. “The commercial revenues from these sales, after covering expenses, are paid back into the Élysée budget to support efforts to renovate and rehabilitate the Palais de l’Élysée’s heritage.“says Figaro the President’s entourage, who also remained silent on sales figures.

“I’m shocked because, in the collective imagination, the Élysée Palace is a flashy, gilded building. The State is supposed to have sufficient resources to renovate the Élysée Palace.“says Blandine, 30. “I’m not really shocked. It’s our heritage after all! A simple donation would have shocked me a bit. Here, we’re buying an infusion“contradicts Antoine, 39, who believes that he “it was better for the Élysée to be discreet“on the subject, given the bad image of Emmanuel Macron.