France has named Catherine Pégard, former head of the Palace of Versailles, as its new culture minister, replacing Rachida Dati who is now focusing on the Paris mayoral race.

The new occupant of Rue de Valois traveled to the Olympia on Thursday evening to attend the 51st César ceremony.

Catherine Pégard, former president of Versailles and cultural advisor to the Élysée, has been appointed as the new Minister of Culture, replacing Rachida Dati.

GLANCE - Catherine Pégard, barely promoted Minister of Culture, was finding her feet. At the microphone, there was talk of support for farmers, medical and teaching staff.

Catherine Pégard, a former film journalist who previously worked in Nicolas Sarkozy’s cabinet and headed the Château de Versailles, has been appointed France’s culture minister.

Catherine Pégard, 71, was the head of the Château de Versailles for more than 12 years. She will have to oversee several major projects, including the Louvre renovation project.

France's presidency on Thursday announced four new ministers in a mini cabinet reshuffle including a new culture minister, Catherine Pégard. A former journalist who was once the editor of political magazine Le Point, Pegard also used to head the Versailles Palace.