Staged photograph depicting violent scenes from the Paris Commune uprising in August 1871, showing barricades, conflicts, and key figures with pasted headshots

Prison Des Chantiers

Prison des Chantiers: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide – Versailles, France

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Cultural Significance

Situated in the historic city of Versailles, the Prison des Chantiers stands as a powerful testament to France’s turbulent 19th-century political history. Built during a period of rapid urban transition, the prison bore witness to pivotal events such as the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, notably serving as a detention center for political prisoners including the renowned Communard Louise Michel. Although the original buildings have largely disappeared and the site now hosts the Collège Technique Raymond-Poincaré, the legacy of the prison endures through historical research, exhibitions, and memorialization efforts. For visitors, the Prison des Chantiers offers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of French history, social change, and the evolution of the justice system. This guide provides a detailed overview of the prison’s origins, its societal role, practical visitor information, and tips for exploring nearby attractions (Versailles Tourism, Annuaire Prisons, Wikipedia).

Portrait of Hortense David, member of the Paris Commune in 1871, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles

Appert Ernest Charles photomontage showing a representation of the prison des chantiers in Versailles

Photomontage showing a representation of the prison des chantiers in Versailles by Ernest Charles Appert

Portrait of Hortense David, a participant in the Paris Commune before 1871

Portrait of Louise Michel photographed by Ernest-Charles Appert at the Chantiers prison in Versailles

Portrait of Louise Michel at Versailles prison

Portrait of Léontine Eugénie Suétens, cantinière and laundress at the 135th battalion, taken at Satory prison in Versailles in 1871

Portrait photograph of Joséphine Michel Bocquin, known as Corly B., a female insurgent of the Paris Commune 1871, taken in Versailles prison

Portrait photograph of Joséphine Michel Bocquin known as Corly B., female communard, Paris Commune 1871, prison portrait

Louise Michel prison photo 1871 Communard and Anarchist

Marie Lecourt portrait at the prison des Chantiers in Versailles during the incendie de la rue Royale

Marie Lecourt portrait from 'incendie de la rue Royale' taken at prison des Chantiers Versailles

Portrait of Augustine Prévost, a female member of the 1871 Paris Commune, photographed in prison at Versailles in 1871

Portrait of Augustine Prévost, member of the Paris Commune in 1871, photographed at the Chantiers prison in Versailles

Portrait of Aurore Hortense David, a female communard in sailor attire with crossed arms, standing against a white background during the 1871 Paris Commune, photographed at the Chantiers Prison in Versailles

Portrait of Aurore Hortense David, woman Machu, standing with crossed arms in sailor attire at Chantiers prison, Versailles, 1871

Portrait of Aurore Hortense David (femme Machu), a female insurgent during the Paris Commune 1871, standing with arms crossed in sailor attire at Versailles prison

Portrait of Angélina Gaudin, a member of the Paris Commune, taken in 1871 at the Chantiers prison in Versailles with a white background

Black and white portrait photograph of Angélina Gaudin, a female member of the Paris Commune, taken inside Chantiers prison in Versailles, 1871, showing her in front of a plain white background.

Portrait of Caroline Baudin or Bodin, taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Delphine Bourgeois, taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune, 1871

Portrait of Rosalie Victorine Cherelle taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Rosalie Victorine Cherelle taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles, 1871, showing a member of the Paris Commune

Portrait of Corly B., taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871, black and white carte de visite photograph

Portrait of David Aurore Hortense, a female insurgent of the Paris Commune, standing with arms crossed in sailor attire, taken in 1871 at the prison des Chantiers, Versailles

Portrait of David Aurore Hortense (femme Machu) in sailor attire, standing with crossed arms in Versailles prison during the Paris Commune 1871

Portrait of Judith David, a female insurgent of the Paris Commune, taken in 1871 during her imprisonment at the Chantiers prison in Versailles, showing her against a white background

Portrait of David Judith, a female revolutionary of the Paris Commune 1871, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles

Portrait of David Judith taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune, 1871

Portrait of David Judith, a female revolutionary member of the Paris Commune, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles in 1871. The black and white carte de visite photo shows her against a white background.

Portrait of Marie Davier taken in 1871 at Versailles prison during the Paris Commune, black and white photograph on albumen paper.

Portrait carte de visite of Marie Daviet or Davier taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871, showing a revolutionary female orator against a white background

Portrait photograph of Marie Daviet or Davier in Versailles prison during the Paris Commune 1871

Portrait of Désirée Dumont, a female revolutionary insurgent of the Paris Commune, taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles in 1871, black and white albumen print photograph

Portrait of Désirée Dumont, a female revolutionary of the Paris Commune, taken in the prison des Chantiers, Versailles, 1871

Portrait of Désirée Dumont at the prison of Les Chantiers in Versailles, female insurgent of the Paris Commune 1871

Portrait of Désirée Dumont, a female insurgent of the Paris Commune, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles in 1871, monochrome photograph on albumen paper

Portrait of Félix Célestine taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune 1871

Portrait of Félix Célestine taken at the Prison des Chantiers in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Garri Marie taken at the Chantiers Prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune, 1871

Portrait of Garri Marie taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871, vintage carte de visite photo on albumen paper by Ernest Charles Appert

Portrait of Angélina Gaudin, member of the Paris Commune in 1871, taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles

Portrait of Angélina Gaudin, member of the Paris Commune, taken at Versailles prison in 1871

Portrait of Gaudin (or Courcelle) Angelina taken at the Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Victorine Gorget, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune of 1871

Portrait of Marie Grivot, taken at Chantiers prison in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Marie Grivot (or Grivat), taken at the prison des Chantiers in Versailles during the Paris Commune in 1871

Portrait of Elisabeth Javelot taken at the prison des Chantiers in Versailles in 1871, showing a female insurgent member of the Paris Commune

Introduction
Origins and Construction
Role in the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune
Notable Inmates and Political Repression
Architecture and Daily Life
The Prison’s Urban and Social Context
Legacy and Historical Memory
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQ
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Construction

The Prison des Chantiers was established in the mid-19th century, adjacent to the Gare des Chantiers railway station, reflecting Versailles’ shift from a royal seat to a modern administrative center. Conceived as a model correctional facility, its layout and construction embodied contemporary penal philosophies prioritizing security, inmate segregation, and surveillance. Over time, the prison adapted its structure and administration to accommodate changing penal reforms and the evolving demographic of inmates, particularly women and political prisoners.

Role During the Franco-Prussian War and Paris Commune

From 1870–1871, Versailles became the seat of the French government in exile during the Franco-Prussian War, and the Prison des Chantiers assumed a new role as a detention center for political prisoners. Thousands of Communards and supporters—many of them women and children—were incarcerated here following the suppression of the Paris Commune. Among the most notable detainees was Louise Michel, whose writings and memoirs provide invaluable first-hand testimony of the period (La Commune de Paris Blog). An iconic 1871 photograph by Ernest Eugène Appert documents the prison and its inmates, capturing a critical moment in French political history.

Notable Inmates and Political Repression

The Prison des Chantiers became a symbol of state power and repression, especially in its treatment of female revolutionaries. Prisoners such as Louise Michel and Eulalie Papavoine endured harsh conditions, with strict surveillance and limited rights, reflecting both the gendered dynamics of 19th-century political persecution and the broader struggle for civil liberties.

Architecture and Daily Life

Originally a religious convent repurposed as a prison, the facility retained elements such as high walls and barred windows. Its architecture enforced isolation and control, while daily routines were rigid and communication strictly regulated. Modernization efforts in the late 20th century introduced updated facilities and security measures, but the historical ambiance remained palpable in its remaining structures (Annuaire Prisons).

Unlike the nearby Palace of Versailles, renowned for its royal grandeur, the Prison des Chantiers represents a different facet of the city’s history—one marked by conflict, governance, and social change. Its proximity to major transportation hubs and integration into the urban landscape underscore its significance in Versailles’ broader historical narrative.

Legacy and Historical Memory

Although the original prison buildings have been demolished and replaced by the Collège Technique Raymond-Poincaré, the site retains its historical resonance. The memory of its role in the Paris Commune and its association with political prisoners is preserved through academic research, memoirs, and occasional guided tours—particularly during heritage events or “parcours communards” commemorations (La Commune de Paris Blog). Visual documentation, such as photographs by Appert, further enriches public understanding.

Prison des Chantiers, Versailles, 1871 photograph by Ernest Eugène Appert

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Current Status and Location

Address: 2, place Poincaré, 78000 Versailles, France
Current Use: Collège Technique Raymond-Poincaré occupies the site; no original prison buildings remain (Wikipedia).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

No Official Visiting Hours: The site is not open to the public, as it is now a functioning school. The exterior may be viewed at any time from public streets.
No Tickets or Entry Fee: There is no charge or ticket required for exterior viewing.

Accessibility

Mobility: The area around Place Poincaré is flat and accessible, with ramps and elevators available at the nearby Versailles-Chantiers train station.
Facilities: Public restrooms are available at the train station; cafés and shops are within walking distance.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: The site is adjacent to the Versailles-Chantiers railway station, with direct connections to Paris Gare Montparnasse (30–40 minutes by train). Paid parking is available nearby, though public transportation is recommended.
Nearby Sights: The Palace of Versailles, Versailles Cathedral, and Potager du Roi are within 2 km, making it easy to combine a visit to the former prison site with other attractions.
Historical Walks: Some Versailles walking tours include the Chantiers district and its historical sites, particularly those focusing on the Paris Commune or lesser-known city history.

FAQ

Q: Are there official visiting hours for Prison des Chantiers?
A: No. The site is now a school, and only the exterior can be viewed from public streets at any time.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No. There is no ticket or fee for exterior viewing.

Q: Is the site accessible for those with mobility impairments?
A: Yes. The area is flat and accessible, with facilities available nearby.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Exterior photography is permitted in public areas. Please avoid photographing students or entering school grounds.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No regular tours are offered, but local historical societies occasionally include the site in special heritage events.

Conclusion

Though its original structures no longer exist, Prison des Chantiers remains a site of profound historical importance in Versailles. Visitors can engage with its legacy through research, photographs, memoirs, and by respectfully viewing the site’s location. For those seeking to understand Versailles beyond its royal legacy, the story of the Prison des Chantiers provides a compelling glimpse into the city’s political, social, and penal history.

Enhance your exploration of Versailles by combining visits to the city’s renowned landmarks with a reflective stop at this significant historical site. To deepen your understanding, download the Audiala app for audio guides, follow us on social media, and explore our related articles on the Paris Commune and Versailles’ lesser-known sites.