On June 28 of this year, a meeting was held at the National Commission for Cultural Heritage with Linas Maknavičius, a member of the Lithuanian community in France. During the meeting, the community representative shared intriguing and previously unheard information about culturally significant heritage related to Lithuania in France.
Participants heard stories about Lithuanian symbolism, such as the Pahonia (Knight), found in France and buildings adorned with copies of the Gate of Dawn painting. The country also honors notable figures associated with Lithuania or their graves. Among those who left their mark in France are Adomas Mickevičius, Henrikas Valua, the graves of Sofija Tyzenhauzaitė, Oskar Milašius, and others.
A few notable places in Paris highlight Lithuanian connections. The Old Lithuanian Embassy, known as the Fournier Palace, was bought by Lithuania in 1925 but seized by Soviet authorities in 1940. Gedimino Columns remain above the entrance, and a small square called “Lietuvos sodai” was opened nearby in 2024.
Another significant site is STOHRER, the oldest pastry shop in Paris, which has ties to Lithuania. Marija Leščinska, daughter of the Polish-Lithuanian king Stanislovas Leščinskas, brought her pastry chef, N. Stohrer, to Paris in 1725. The pastry shop bearing his name is still in operation today.
In 2024, the National Commission for Cultural Heritage received partial funding for the project “Following the Footsteps of Emigrant Creators: Culturally Significant Heritage of Lithuania in France.” The Commission will also support the Lithuania Season in France, as a partner of the Lithuanian Embassy in Paris. More information about the activities will be provided closer to the events.