Collège Des Bernardins

Visiting Collège des Bernardins, Paris: Guide, Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Paris’s vibrant Latin Quarter, the Collège des Bernardins is a remarkable blend of medieval Cistercian architecture and contemporary cultural vitality. Founded in 1245 as a center for monastic scholarship, it has evolved through centuries of religious, intellectual, and social transformation, now serving as both a historical monument and a hub for artistic and intellectual events (paris-promeneurs.com). Visitors can expect a journey through history, breathtaking Gothic architecture, and a diverse cultural program that bridges the past and present.

Historic pencil drawing of Bernardins convent in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye

Ink drawing of Les Bernardins convents and communities in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye

Historical graphite drawing of the Bernardins convent remnants on rue de Poissy, Paris, from 1860

Detailed pencil drawing of Bernardins vestiges in rue de Poissy, Paris, dated 1860

Drawing of Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye, depicting the area between Rue de Poissy and Rue St. Jacques in 1875

Historic pencil drawing of Boulevard Saint-Germain from Rue de Poissy to Rue St. Jacques in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye, showing architectural details of Saint-Bernard cloister area in 1859

Historic fire station at the former Couvent des Bernardins, 20 rue de Poissy, 5th arrondissement, Paris

Portrait of Catherine de Béthisy, wife of Girard de Bruyères, depicted beside her husband at their tomb near the high altar steps of the Bernardins Church in Paris

Historic Collège des Bernardins building in Paris in 1618

Historical pencil drawing of Couvent des Bernardins facade with three arcades and entrance gate in Paris

Historical architectural plan of Couvent des Bernardins refectory and 14th century church ruins in Paris

Historic illustrated plan of the Refectory and ruins of the 14th century church at Couvent des Bernardins in Paris

Drawing of the Bernardins Convent corner at Rue de Pontoise in Paris 19th century

Interior view of the Escalier des Bernardins, a historic spiral staircase in Paris, France

Portrait of Girart de Bruyères, 15th-century notary and royal secretary

19th century urban scene at the corner of Rue de Pontoise and Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris showing buildings with signs and remnants of the Couv.t des Bernardins

19th century drawing of Le Couvent des Bernardins in Paris by François Alexandre Pernot, made with graphite pencil

Historical map of Plan de Deharme in Les Bernardins

Historical drawing of Paris's Rive Gauche area featuring Saint-Etienne du Mont and Sainte-Geneviève, replaced by Rue de Clovis after church demolition

Graphite pencil drawing depicting the ruins and architectural section of the old Bernardins convent on Rue des Bernardins, Paris, 1841

Ruins of the Bernardins Convent on Rue de Poissy in Paris in 1867, detailed drawing by Albert Maignan

Foundations and Medieval Origins
Architectural Evolution
Intellectual and Religious Significance
Transformation in the Modern Era
Restoration and Contemporary Role
Visiting Hours
Ticket Prices and Booking
Guided Tours and Special Events
Accessibility and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Media
FAQs
Plan Your Visit

Foundations and Medieval Origins

Established in 1245 by the Cistercian order under Etienne de Lexington, the Collège des Bernardins was conceived to educate monks in theology and philosophy. This initiative aligned with the Church’s desire to elevate monastic learning within the urban academic environment of the University of Paris (paris-promeneurs.com). The college quickly became a magnet for scholars from across Europe, with notable alumni including Jacques Fournier—later Pope Benedict XII.

Architectural Evolution

The Collège was constructed according to Cistercian principles: simplicity, harmony, and functional beauty. Its grand refectory, with a 70-meter-long nave and ribbed Gothic arches, remains a standout feature (paris-promeneurs.com, Sortir à Paris). The adjacent flamboyant Gothic sacristy, with intricate stonework, provides a contrasting elegance and now hosts contemporary exhibitions. Over the centuries, the building was modified to fit changing needs, including the addition of a sarrasine-vaulted staircase in the 18th century.

Major restoration efforts in the early 2000s preserved and revitalized these medieval elements, blending them with modern amenities (European Heritage Awards Archive).

Intellectual and Religious Significance

From its inception, the Collège functioned as a crucible for theological debate and intellectual exchange, playing a pivotal role in the rise of the University of Paris and the broader European academic landscape. Cistercian monks educated here disseminated knowledge throughout Europe, shaping both church and secular thought (paris-promeneurs.com).

Transformation in the Modern Era

The French Revolution brought secularization and the repurposing of the Collège des Bernardins. It served variously as a prison, warehouse, fire brigade barracks, and a police academy boarding school. The original chapel was destroyed during 19th-century urban development, yet the main structure endured (paris-promeneurs.com).

Restoration and Contemporary Role

A comprehensive restoration (2004–2008) led by architect Hervé Baptiste, in collaboration with Jean-Michel Wilmotte, returned the Collège to its former grandeur while equipping it for modern use (European Heritage Awards Archive). Today, it houses the Académie catholique de France and serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and educational programs, exemplifying adaptive reuse of historic architecture (collegedesbernardins.fr).

Visiting Information

Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Hours may vary during special events; check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Admission

General admission: Free
Guided tours: €8 (reduced rate €4), free for children under 12 (collegedesbernardins.fr)
Special events/exhibitions: Ticket prices vary; advance booking recommended, especially for popular events like “Le Mystère Mozart” (lemysteremozart.fr)

Booking

Reserve tickets and tours online or at the venue.
Group and reduced rates available.

How to Get There

Address: 20 rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris, France
Metro: Saint-Michel (Line 4), Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10), Jussieu (Line 7), Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
Bus: Lines 21, 27, 38, 85
Parking: Limited; public transport strongly encouraged

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours in multiple languages provide deep insight into the Collège’s history and architecture. The site hosts a rich array of cultural programming, including immersive experiences like “Le Mystère Mozart,” art exhibitions (notably the 2025 “Aubusson tisse Tolkien” tapestries), concerts, and thematic festivals (Sortir à Paris, Collège des Bernardins – Tolkien Exhibition).

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair accessible: Step-free access throughout main areas, elevators, and accessible restrooms (Collège des Bernardins FAQ)
Assistance: Available upon request; free admission for accompanying persons with disabilities
On-site amenities: Modern restrooms, cloakroom, Wi-Fi, bookshop, and the restaurant La Table des Bernardins

Dining

La Table des Bernardins offers a menu of French cuisine in the atmospheric nave, open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Garden seating available in summer (Sortir à Paris – La Table des Bernardins).

Nearby Attractions

Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sorbonne University
Luxembourg Gardens
Panthéon
Jardin des Plantes
Latin Quarter cafés and bookstores

Visuals and Media

Visitors and remote explorers alike can enjoy high-quality images, virtual tours, and interactive maps via the official website. These resources showcase the Collège’s soaring Gothic nave, sacristy, and recent restoration work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Collège des Bernardins’ opening hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Sundays and holidays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: General entry is free. Guided tours and special events may require tickets.

Q: How do I book tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the venue.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
A: Yes, with step-free access and assistance available.

Q: Are there dining options on site?
A: Yes, La Table des Bernardins restaurant is located in the historic nave.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in public spaces; restrictions may apply during performances.

Q: What public transport should I use?
A: Metro stations Saint-Michel and Cluny-La Sorbonne are closest; several bus lines also serve the area.

Plan Your Visit

Reserve tickets in advance for guided tours and headline events (Le Mystère Mozart).
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven medieval flooring.
Use public transport for convenience.
Check the event calendar for current exhibitions and performances.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and up-to-date information about Paris historical sites.

Summary and Recommendations

The Collège des Bernardins encapsulates Paris’s medieval heritage and ongoing cultural dynamism. Its architectural grandeur, rich programming, and welcoming amenities make it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or intellectual exploration. Book your tickets early for special events, explore its unique spaces, dine at the on-site restaurant, and combine your visit with other nearby Parisian landmarks for a truly enriching experience (collegedesbernardins.fr, sortiraparis.com).