Georgian PM attends completion of Leuville Estate rehabilitation in France

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday attended an event marking the completion of large-scale rehabilitation works at the historic Leuville Estate in France, describing the restored property as an important part of Georgia’s history and a new cultural and educational centre.

The event marked the completion of the rehabilitation of the Leuville Estate, which was returned to Georgia’s ownership in 2016.

In his address, Kobakhidze said the Georgian state had fulfilled its commitment to restore the historically significant estate and preserve it for future generations.

“Following the return of the Leuville Estate to Georgia's ownership in 2016, the state undertook a commitment that it has fulfilled consistently and responsibly. By restoring this heritage of immense historic and cultural significance, we pay tribute to our past while, at the same time, fulfilling our responsibility towards future generations”, he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted Leuville’s historical significance for the Georgian diaspora and the preservation of the legacy of the First Republic of Georgia.

“Following the Soviet occupation in 1922, the emigrated government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia purchased the estate here and established a national centre. Leuville became the main stronghold of Georgian statehood, freedom and the national idea in Europe. The memory of the First Republic lived on here; our recent history was preserved here, as was the unwavering belief that Georgia would one day regain its freedom. As a result of the completed works, the historic estate has regained a fully-fledged life. The château now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the First Republic and Franco-Georgian relations, as well as Noe Zhordania's office”, he noted.

He further said the restored estate would serve purposes beyond preserving historical artefacts.

“Most importantly, the Georgian Leuville Estate is not merely a museum - it has become a multifunctional cultural and educational centre in the heart of Europe. The Leuville Georgian Academy is already operating here, hosting researchers, scholars, artists and students from Georgia and from various parts of the world. The complex also includes an archival space, a library, a media library and a conference hall. The Georgian vineyard planted in the renovated park, the qvevri and the traditional oda will introduce visitors to our unique traditions and centuries-old history”, Kobakhidze stressed.

According to the Prime Minister, the Georgian Leuville Estate is also a symbol of the close historical ties between Georgia and France.

“I believe that this large-scale project, implemented through the fruitful partnership of the two countries, will become a new platform for dialogue and cooperation. We extend our special gratitude to the French people and our valued partners, whose invaluable support made it possible to restore our historic heritage”, he noted.

“From today, the Georgian Leuville Estate is fully operational as an open educational and creative centre for our compatriots, the diaspora and everyone who wishes to become closely acquainted with Georgia's history and culture. This is a special and deeply emotional day for each of us, and I would like to congratulate everyone on this remarkable day”, Kobakhidze concluded.

Speeches were also delivered at the event by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Minister of Culture Maia Bitadze and Mayor of Leuville-sur-Orge Éric Brevi.

Together with the Speaker of Parliament and members of the Cabinet and Parliament, the Prime Minister toured the estate grounds, the renovated château, the vineyards and the traditional oda.

Members of the Government also paid tribute at the Georgian cemetery in Leuville to the memory of representatives of the Government of the First Republic of Georgia and their family members.