-There is no other institution like the Grand Chancellery in the world. The institution is comprised of the decorated members of the three French national orders, two educational institutions (Maisons d’éducation) and the Museum of the Legion of Honour, all under the authority of the Grand Chancellor.

-The Legion of Honour is the highest national decoration established after the French Revolution. It rewards the outstanding merits of citizens in all walks of life, regardless of social, economic or hereditary backgrounds.

The Hôtel de Salm, now called the Palais de la Légion d’Honour, has been the home of the Grand Chancellery since 3 May 1804. It became the seat of the Military Medal upon its creation in 1852 and of the National Order of Merit in 1963.