Historic scooter of former president Hollande sells for $27,000

The scooter once ridden by former French president Francois Hollande found a new owner during a Sunday auction. It was sold for 27,000 dollars, a price significantly higher than typically seen for such vehicles.

The history of this scooter is closely tied to events from a decade ago, when the media revealed the then-president's affair with actress Julie Gayet.

In 2014, this scooter, with Francois Hollande on board, appeared on the cover of Closer magazine. This magazine first informed the world that the president was using the scooter to make "discreet escapades" to Gayet's apartment.

At that time, Hollande's official partner, though they were not married, was journalist Valerie Trierweiler. The scandal that erupted after the affair was revealed, followed by the breakup with Trierweiler, negatively impacted the president’s public image.

The scooter, which in 2014 became the center of media attention, was later sold by the Élysée Palace along with other vehicles. It changed hands until it finally landed at the auction organized by the Rouillac auction house. The starting price was 11,000 dollars, but an anonymous buyer purchased it for 27,000 dollars, outbidding more than 10 other bidders.

The scooter, which is 14 years old and has 21,000 miles on it, is a model from Piaggio. Its market value would be just under 1,400 dollars, but due to its history, the auction house placed it in the "legendary vehicles" category. The authenticity of the scooter was confirmed by Hollande himself, who dedicated a book to the retired couple who previously owned the vehicle.

In 2022, Hollande and Gayet decided on a discreet wedding. Hollande served as president from 2012 to 2017. By the end of his term, his ratings had significantly fallen, and he decided not to run for a second term.