Vintage drawing of students leaving Condorcet High School around 1903

Lycée Condorcet

Complete Guide to Visiting Lycée Condorcet in Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Essential Tips

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Lycée Condorcet, located in the heart of Paris’s bustling 9th arrondissement, stands as a symbol of French intellectual heritage and academic excellence. As one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Paris, Lycée Condorcet has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural and intellectual history. Founded in the early 19th century on the site of the former Capuchin convent of Saint-Louis d’Antin, the school’s neoclassical facades and storied halls have welcomed generations of influential thinkers, writers, and artists (Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia).

Though still an active school with limited public access, Lycée Condorcet occasionally opens its doors for special events, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience its remarkable architecture and storied legacy. This comprehensive guide details the school’s history, visiting policies, ticketing information, travel advice, and nearby attractions—equipping you to plan a rewarding visit to this unique Parisian landmark.

19th century pencil drawing of College Bourbon (Lycée Fontanes) in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye

1873 pencil drawing of Collège Bourbon (Lycée Fontanes) in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye

Handwritten letter by Marcel Pagnol requesting leave from Lycée Condorcet principal to attend theater rehearsals in Brussels

Handwritten letter from Marcel Pagnol requesting permission to be absent from Lycée Condorcet to supervise rehearsals in Brussels

Rue Joubert street view in Paris with buildings and parked cars

Introduction
Historical Background and Architectural Heritage
Evolution and Cultural Significance
Notable Alumni and Faculty
Academic Reputation
Visiting Lycée Condorcet: Practical Information
Nearby Attractions
Tips for a Memorable Visit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cultural Insights and Legacy
Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Architectural Heritage

Founded in 1803 as the “Lycée de la Chaussée d’Antin” under Napoleon’s educational reforms, Lycée Condorcet is among the four oldest high schools in Paris, alongside Lycée Charlemagne, Henri IV, and Louis-le-Grand. The school occupies the former Capuchin convent of Saint-Louis-d’Antin, with buildings designed by Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart in the late 18th century (Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia).

Classified in part as a historical monument since 1981, Lycée Condorcet features neoclassical architecture and a blend of 19th-century additions. Notable spaces include the “mythical cloister,” the original convent courtyard, and the renowned “aquarium,” a luminous, glass-walled study hall (fr.wikipedia).

Evolution and Cultural Significance

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Lycée Condorcet was recognized as a progressive institution on the Right Bank, known for its flexible academic environment and as a favored school of the Parisian bourgeoisie (Wikipedia). The school’s name evolved several times—Bonaparte, Bourbon, Fontanes—before being dedicated in 1883 to the Enlightenment philosopher Marquis de Condorcet, a champion of secular, universal education.

Lycée Condorcet was also a pioneer in gender integration, admitting women to its preparatory classes as early as 1924, and becoming fully coeducational by 1975 (fr.wikipedia). Its commitment to human rights and secular values continues to shape its identity.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

The lycée’s alumni list includes some of France’s most celebrated writers, philosophers, scientists, and artists:

Marcel Proust (novelist)
Paul Verlaine (poet)
Henri Bergson (philosopher and Nobel laureate)
Claude Lévi-Strauss (anthropologist)
Henri Cartier-Bresson (photographer)
Jean Cocteau (artist and filmmaker)
André Citroën (industrialist)
Serge Gainsbourg (musician)
Francis Poulenc (composer)
Raymond Aron (philosopher)
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (painter)
William Carlos Williams (poet)

Distinguished faculty have included Jean-Paul Sartre, Stéphane Mallarmé, and Paul Bénichou (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Wikipedia).

Academic Reputation

Lycée Condorcet consistently ranks among the top secondary schools in Paris and across France. In 2025, it was recognized as the leading lycée in Paris (Le Parisien). The school offers a rigorous curriculum, notably its classes préparatoires (CPGE) in both the literary and scientific tracks, preparing students for France’s elite grandes écoles (Letudiant.fr). The student body consists of about 500 high school students and 500 preparatory class students (fr.wikipedia).

Visiting Lycée Condorcet: Practical Information

Location and Access

Address: 8 rue du Havre, 75009 Paris
Situated between Gare Saint-Lazare and Boulevard Haussmann, Lycée Condorcet is easily accessible by public transport:

Metro: Havre-Caumartin (Lines 3, 9), Saint-Lazare (Lines 3, 12, 13, 14), Liège, Place de Clichy
Bus: Numerous lines pass through the area (Ile-de-France Mobilités)
Train: Gare Saint-Lazare is less than a 5-minute walk away
Bicycle: Vélib’ stations nearby (Come to Paris)

Visiting Hours and Tickets

General Access: Lycée Condorcet does not have regular visiting hours due to its status as an active educational institution.
Open Days: The annual “Journée Portes Ouvertes” (Open Day) typically takes place in early February. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, 1 February 2025, from 9:00 to 12:00 (Prepas.org).
European Heritage Days: Held each September, these events often include guided tours, giving the public access to select areas of the school.
Tickets: No general admission fee; special events may require advance registration, but most are free.

Visitor Conduct and Accessibility

Accessibility: Entrance is at street level, but due to the historical nature of the building, some interior areas may be less accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Contact the administration in advance for specific needs.
Facilities: There are no public restrooms or visitor amenities on site.
Photography: Exterior photography is allowed from public streets. Interior photography is permitted only during open days or with special authorization.
Respect: As an active school, visitors must avoid disrupting classes and respect student privacy.

Contact Information

Website: Lycée Condorcet official site
Phone: +33 1 48 74 25 95
Alumni Association: ancienscondorcetparis.fr

What to Expect

During open days or special events, visitors can explore the school’s main courtyard, neoclassical facade, library, and possibly the historic cloister and “aquarium” study hall. Guided tours provide insight into the school’s history and architectural features. Outside of these events, appreciate the exterior and the lively neighborhood.

Nearby Attractions

Lycée Condorcet’s central location places it near many notable Parisian landmarks:

Opéra Garnier: The city’s grand 19th-century opera house
Galeries Lafayette and Printemps: Renowned department stores with panoramic views
Musée Gustave Moreau: Dedicated to the Symbolist painter
Boulevard Haussmann: Known for its classic Parisian architecture and shopping

The surrounding area is filled with cafés, restaurants, and parks, making it ideal for a full day of cultural exploration.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

Plan Around Events: Schedule your visit during open days or European Heritage Days for interior access.
Combine Experiences: Pair your visit with nearby museums, shopping, or a stroll through the 9th arrondissement.
Stay Updated: Check transport status and event announcements via Ile-de-France Mobilités and the official lycée website.
Use Public Transport: Parking is scarce; metro and bus are the best options.
Respect Rules: Follow photography and conduct guidelines, especially regarding student privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Lycée Condorcet any time?
A: No, public access is limited to special events like Open Days or European Heritage Days.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No general admission fee; entry during public events is usually free.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, during open days and special events, guided tours may be available.

Q: How do I arrange a visit for research purposes?
A: Contact the administration via the official website.

Q: Is the school accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Some areas are accessible, but there may be limitations due to the building’s age. Contact the school in advance.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Interior photography is generally restricted and allowed only during specific events or with permission.

Cultural Insights and Legacy

Lycée Condorcet’s reputation as a center for excellence and liberal thought is reinforced by its role in French educational history and its network of distinguished alumni (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Memorials within the school, such as those honoring fallen alumni, and the naming of rooms after famous figures, highlight the deep sense of tradition and community (fr.wikipedia). The alumni association remains active in preserving the school’s legacy and supporting current students (ancienscondorcetparis.fr).

Conclusion

Visiting Lycée Condorcet offers a rare perspective on Parisian—and French—cultural and intellectual heritage. While general access is restricted, planning your visit around special events or open days allows you to experience the school’s unique atmosphere and architectural beauty. Combine your trip with nearby attractions for a memorable day in one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

For up-to-date information, always consult official sources and consider digital tools like the Audiala app for curated tours and timely visitor updates.