Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron spend final summer at Fort de Brégançon as presidential term nears its end
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are spending what is expected to be their final summer holiday at Fort de Brégançon before the end of the President's second and final term in office.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are spending what is expected to be their final summer holiday at Fort de Brégançon, the French president's official summer residence in Bormes-les-Mimosas, before the end of Macron's second and final term in office.
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The presidential couple arrived at the Var retreat at the end of July for what has become an annual tradition since Emmanuel Macron took office in 2017.
This year's stay is particularly symbolic, as the French Constitution prevents him from seeking a third consecutive presidential term.
Although the holiday is primarily focused on family time, it remains a working break.
According to French media, the President continues to monitor national affairs, hold discussions with advisers and deal with urgent issues when necessary.
Shortly after arriving, he reportedly instructed Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to strengthen checks along the French-Spanish border following a surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco into Spain.
Fort de Brégançon has served as the official summer residence of French presidents since 1968, after General Charles de Gaulle designated the 17th-century fortress for presidential use.
Over the decades, it has welcomed every French head of state, becoming both a private family retreat and a venue for informal diplomacy.
The President is also known for maintaining a regular routine during his stays at the fort, combining exercise, work and time with his family.
The Macrons were photographed leaving the residence by boat on Tuesday afternoon for a trip on the Mediterranean, accompanied by their dogs.
As in previous years, the presidential couple are also expected to attend the annual ceremony marking the Liberation of Bormes-les-Mimosas on 17 August, one of the few occasions during their stay when they appear in public.
Since 2013, parts of Fort de Brégançon have been open to visitors, allowing the public to discover one of France's most iconic presidential residences.