Imagine General de Gaulle pacing right here at Villa Convention. Villa Convention holds stories within its walls. This is no ordinary building. It is a place where history has unfolded.
Villa Convention initially emerged as the vision of Henri Lillaz. He was a politician and businessman. He commissioned architect Charles-Louis-Roger Bouvard to bring his dream to life. Bouvard presented several designs. Each differed in style. The administration approved the final plans on September 19, 1928. Villa Convention took shape.
During World War II, Paris was liberated on August 25, 1944. A few days later, General de Gaulle moved his family into Villa Convention. It was quickly furnished in four days. It became habitable again. His office was on the ground floor. Many political meetings happened here. Important private events took place too. Elisabeth de Gaulle married Count Alain de Boissieu here in January 1946.
In 1953, the Duke of Windsor leased Villa Convention. He was the former King Edward VIII. He abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. The Duchess redecorated the villa. Stèphane Boudin helped with the design. He directed the Jansen house. Queen Elizabeth visited the Duke of Windsor in 1972. She came with her husband and Prince Charles. The Duke was in his bedroom. He passed away shortly after this visit. The Duchess died in her apartments at Villa Convention in 1986.
After the Duchess’s death, Mohamed Al-Fayed became the tenant. He was the owner of the Ritz and Harrods. His son Dodi visited with Princess Diana in 1997. They considered settling here. The Al-Fayed family invested in the villa’s restoration. They preserved the Duchess’s taste. Mohamed Al-Fayed displayed items that belonged to the Duke and Duchess. This is when the mansion gained its great reputation. It became known as Villa Windsor.
Villa Convention has seen significant moments. From De Gaulle’s wartime decisions. To the Windsors’ royal residence. Villa Convention is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies French and British history. The villa is a silent witness. It preserves stories of power, love, and resilience.