Champagne, truffles and a Frenchman? Dining with the French ambassador was right out of the pages of a novel.
One of the most magnificent homes in the D.C. area, the French Ambassador’s Residence is a mansion filled with treasures that reflect it’s history — from Kings like Louis XIV to Emperors like Napoleon Bonaparte — but also reflects our mutual history. Busts of figures like Benjamin Franklin attest to this especially.
I’ve been lucky to be invited to dine with the Ambassador twice, and each time he is everything that a Frenchman is reputed to be — handsome, charming, suave and extremely gracious. How lovely that he allowed me to take such extensive photographs so I could share it with you. Here’s a taste of the evening:
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- Exterior of the French Ambassador’s Residence
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- Front doors
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- In the foyer, near the front door
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- Diderot greets visitors
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- The foyer is enormous
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- In the foyer
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- The staircase to private quarters
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- The staircase is elaborately carved
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- Isn’t the staircase beautiful?
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- We were ushered into the coral salon and served champagne and drinks.
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- I couldn’t imagine standing on this Napoleon era rug, but we did!
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- The fireplace in the coral salon
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- The walls of the coral salon are filled with intricate details
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- Ambassador Francois Delattre welcomed us warmly
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- A buffet was spread out in the dining room
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- Ben Franklin held a place of honor near the head of the table
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- The dining room furnishing were exquisite
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- The food was incredible
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- We had desert in the green salon
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- Classical paintings of Greek and Roman gods decorate the walls
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- The paintings rest on walls of wood paneling that are stained green and decorated with gold
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- After dinner drinks were on the terrace
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- The terrace overlooks the Ambassador’s garden and swimming pool
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- The Ambassador’s Family Room is also their music room with a grand piano in the corner.
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- Diana Belchase and Ambassador Francois Delattre
Categories: Embassy Visit / Insider DC, Slider
Holy moly, I would of been a fish out of water in a situation like that, lol. You look beautiful, Diana!
Aww that’s so sweet of you, but you’d have been fine. You’re a class act, Jacquie!
That’s what I miss about D.C.., the opportunity to go to such places. Not that I would ever have been invited to the French Ambassador’s home. But I have been to the French Embassy. And some great places. These photos are wonderful, Diana. And of course, the little black dress is great and appropriate. You may color me a tad green with envy.
Lol. In any color you’re beautiful, Ellen. 🙂