Photo: The Jacques Chirac Museum in Sarranne © Le Parisien / Franck Lagier
According to a statement made by the prosecutor to the publication “Ici Limousin”, the criminals broke into the building on the night of August 5–6 by smashing a window and entering through the main entrance. The alarm went off around 4 a.m. It is not yet known exactly what was stolen or the extent of the damage.
The museum houses about 5,000 diplomatic gifts received by Jacques Chirac and other French presidents. These include works of art, watches, jewelry, medals, and other valuable items.
Two previous robberies occurred in October 2025. On October 12, armed, masked robbers stole cash from the cash register and at least one watch. Four suspects were arrested shortly thereafter. The very next night, the museum was robbed again. This time, watches and jewelry with a total value of over €1 million were stolen.
Following these attacks, the museum strengthened its security system, specifically by installing additional surveillance cameras. However, the new measures failed to prevent another break-in.
The museum already has a history of major thefts. In 2011, a gold falcon set with diamonds—a gift to Chirac from Saudi Arabia—was stolen from the museum. The exhibit was valued at approximately €150,000. It has never been recovered.
A series of thefts at French museums has already forced authorities to rethink their approach to security. The Ministry of Culture announced a national plan to strengthen security at museums and historical monuments. However, despite the additional security measures, the Chirac Museum has once again become a target for thieves.
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