Paris: Chinese artifacts displayed in France’s Fontainebleau palace are reported to have been stolen.
The French culture ministry source said that the thieves who entered into the palace were stolen 15 Chinese artifacts in a lightning raid.
According to them, the robbery conducted at the Empress’ Chinese Museum running by the palace, was over within seven minutes.
The popular Fontainebleau palace museum is about 50 km (30 miles) south-east of Paris.
Among the stolen items, most important was a replica of a crown of the King of Siam (Thailand) presented to Emperor Napoleon III in the year 1861.
According to the officials of the Fontainebleau palace the stolen objects were invaluable.
Jean-Francois Hebert who has been running the Museum said that the lost artifacts were some among the most beautiful pieces displayed.
Regarding the theft he said that the thieves were well planned and determined.
According to him, the thieves were achieved the target in a very professional manner.
The palace is assumed to have been used by French kings since the 12th Century.
Currently, it is a national museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Chinese Museum houses artifacts once belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.
The French culture ministry described the museum area as one of the most secured parts of the palace.
He said that the museum area has been equipped with alarms and police investigation cameras.
After the theft, an investigation is under way.

Video on Chinese Artifacts stolen a French museum