HCM CITY — Many local and international visitors last Saturday went on a tour of the French consul’s heritage residence in HCM City’s District 1 to learn about the history and distinctive architecture of the 150-year-old building.

Located at the corner of Lê Duẩn and Hai Bà Trưng streets, the rectangular-shape building is surrounded by a 1.5ha garden under the shade of century-old trees.

In response to this year’s European Heritage Day, the residence was opened for public viewing from 9am to 4pm on September 16.

The annual opening has been in place since 2000.

The French Consul in HCM City, Vincent Floreani, said the building was constructed in 1872, well before the landmark Post Office. He said it had maintained its original architecture and preserved numerous Asian antiques of great historical and cultural value.

The consulate will organise more tours in the future for city dwellers to learn more about French history, culture and architectural features as part of efforts to increase cultural exchanges and deepen ties between Việt Nam and France. — VNS