(Phnom Penh): The French Embassy in Cambodia will welcome the public on 4 October 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as part of European Heritage Day. Last year’s event drew more than 7,500 visitors, and a similarly high turnout is expected this year.

Visitors will have the rare chance to explore the embassy’s historic architecture and its 5-hectare garden, one of Phnom Penh’s largest green spaces. The grounds feature nearly 200 trees across 50 species and over 250 species of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, recently catalogued in a biodiversity inventory. These conservation efforts highlight France’s ongoing commitment to protecting Cambodia’s natural heritage.

A poignant historical site within the compound, the embassy’s original gate, has been preserved as a silent witness to the fall of Phnom Penh in April 1975. It stands as a reminder of the city’s turbulent past amid the tranquillity of the garden.

European Heritage Days, initiated by France in 1985 and now celebrated in more than 50 countries, aim to open normally closed sites to the public and promote awareness of cultural and historical heritage.

Admission will be free and no prior registration is required. However, heavy attendance is expected, particularly in the morning, and visitors should anticipate queues. For safety reasons, large bags and dangerous items are prohibited. In case of heavy rain or strong winds, visiting hours may be adjusted.

The embassy garden will also open again on 22 November 2025, during the annual French Market exhibition, offering another chance for the public to enjoy this cultural and ecological haven in the heart of Phnom Penh.
=FRESH NEWS