Science Festival 2026: the lineup of activities at École Polytechnique (91)

Science Festival is back for its 2026 edition, running from October 2 to 12. To mark the occasion, École Polytechnique opens its doors to the public for a day packed with activities and discoveries.

Initiated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research in 1991, the Science Festival marks its 35th edition this year! This nationwide event, held in several French cities, invites the public to explore the world of science in a warm, welcoming setting. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the École Polytechnique will host visitors, offering opportunities to meet scientists and discover their professions through fun, interactive activities.

This year, the École Polytechnique is pulling out all the stops, with a host of events designed to raise visitors' awareness of science and the progress of research. Founded in 1794 in Palaiseau under the name École centrale des travaux publics , in response to the shortage of engineers and senior executives in France, theÉcole Polytechnique has trained many engineers and military personnel over the past 220 years. Famous graduates include Henri Poincaré (mathematician), Henri Becquerel (physicist), Valéry Giscard d'Estain, Jean Tirole (economist) and André Citroën (industrialist).

Science Festival 2026: free activities you won’t want to miss in Paris and Île-de-France
From October 2 to 12, 2026, the Fête de la Science returns to Paris and the Île-de-France region for its 35th edition, featuring free activities open to all. Experiments, workshops, performances, tours and open doors invite both children and adults to explore science in all its forms. [Read more]

What’s on the agenda for the 2026 Science Festival at Polytechnique:

Science Festival 2026
The Polytechnic's Fête de la Science is a public event built around the national theme “Savory Science.”
It offers interactive stands, hands-on science workshops, talks and demonstrations to explore science in a new way.
In partnership with organizations such as CNRS, Inria and other institutions, the event fosters dialogue between researchers, students and the general public.
This gathering aims to make science accessible, engaging and closely tied to issues surrounding food, flavors and innovation.

Participation requirements:
• Eligible audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25+ years
• Entry: Free admission
Hours: Saturday, October 10 — 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Don't forget to register for the events of your choice: places may be limited. A great opportunity to celebrate science in style, again this year!