French Embassy

Yet another beautiful palace! That’s right, we’re definitely on the w side of town, but there’s still a whole other world to explore in Buenos Aires. This chic, elegant building before you is the French Embassy, housed in the former Ortiz Palace. The palace belonged to a high society Porteño couple, who often traveled back and forth between Paris and Buenos Aires. And they loved Paris so much that they hired a French architect, Paul Pater, to design their home here. Pater also designed the magnificent Museo de Arte de Tigre! The result was a stunning fusion of styles and influences, from traditional Louis XV style to Asian ornamentation. It’s so impressive, even the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, stayed here in 1925! The property was then bought by France to set up its embassy here. The palace is a perfect example of the French influence on Buenos Aires architecture. The building’s style is reminiscent of that of the late 19th-century French aristocracy, heavily influenced by the École des Beaux-Arts. It was built along the lines of French private mansions, with an interior decoration that does not skimp on marble, woodwork and gold ornamentation. Want a sneak peek? You can always grab your beret, put on your best French accent and give it a go!