The maison d’éducation de Saint-Denis is the second boarding school for girls founded by Napoleon. It occupies the monastic buildings of the former royal abbey, near the famous Basilica where the kings of France are buried.

History 

1700

The buildings of the royal abbey of Saint-Denis were rebuilt during the eighteenth century on the site of the former medieval abbey. 

Several prestigious architects have left their mark here. The first one, Robert de Cotte, drew up the plans and built the east wings and the south gallery. 

1735

Upon his death, work resumed from 1739 to 1741 under the supervision of Charles Bonhomme, following plans approved by Louis XIV’s chief architect Jacques V Gabriel and his son Jacques Ange, then under the architect Bayeux from 1752 to 1754. 

1776

Architect Charles de Wailly built the two circular buildings surrounding the cour d’honneur. 

1795

During the Revolution, the abbey became the property of the state and was converted into a military hospital. 1805. On December 15th, Napoleon signed a decree creating the maisons d’éducation de la Légion d’honneur, planning to establish three schools. 

1805

Napoleon signed the decree setting up the second school of the Legion of Honor in the abbey of Saint-Denis. Classes began in 1812. 

1895

The music pavilion was built on the edge of the park. 

1927

The buildings and the park were listed as historical monuments. 

1980

The new gymnasium was built in the park, not far from the infirmary (1952). 

1985

French President François Mitterrand inaugurated the new school building, designed by architects Costantini and Regimbal, and built on the site of the former abbey orchards. 

1990-2011

Restoration of the upper floor, reserved for the dormitories. 

2014

Restoration of the "salon des princes" and "salons du dauphin et de la dauphine et des grands du royaume" (west wing rooms), under the direction of Benjamin Mouton, chief architect of the monuments historiques (Historical monuments). Creation of the reception hall. 

2016

The Grand Chancellor, Army General Georgelin, inaugurated the new post-baccalaureate buidling designed by architects Guillaume Bélus and Adrien Hénocq.

Architecture 

The former abbey buildings in the middle of the 24-hectare tree-filled park are remarkable examples of French classicism of the early 18th century. 

Visit the maison d'éducation de Saint-Denis

The maison d'éducation de Saint-Denis Loges is open to the public for the European Heritage Days (3rd week-end of september). For other dates, contact: The Saint-Denis tourist office +33 (0)1.55.87.08.70 – infos@saint-denis-tourisme.fr