Heritage Days 2026 in Saint-Denis: take a tour of the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur

Want to discover a hidden gem in Saint-Denis? During the Heritage Days 2026 , the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur opens its doors on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Founded by Napoleon, these houses were established to educate the daughters and granddaughters, descendants of those decorated with the Legion of Honor. This very special school aims to give its students "a dignified and independent life" grounded in Honor and Patriotism.

Often overlooked, this place is closely linked to the Palais de la Légion d' honneur in Paris. The House of Education is housed in the former royal abbey of Saint-Denis, founded in the mid-7th century under the reign of Queen Bathilde, wife of King Clovis II, to house various religious communities. The abbey was completely rebuilt in the 13th century, retaining its medieval architecture until the early 18th century. During the French Revolution, the abbey became a hospital, then an educational institution in 1809.

• To be read
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Listed as a historic monument in 1927, the school now welcomes 500 girls each year for boarding at the lycée, hypokhâgne-khâgne and BTS in international commerce, where they receive a top-quality education under the authority of the Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor. Discover this world on guided tours during the Heritage Days!

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur in Saint-Denis

• Visit to the Légion d'honneur's House of Education in Saint-Denis

  For the first time, visitors will be able to discover the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur in Saint-Denis, the former royal abbey adjacent to the Basilica of the Kings of France, during open visits for the European Heritage Days.

  This historic building, listed as a Monument historiques, houses a public school open to five hundred daughters of decorated individuals awarded the Légion d'honneur, the Médaille militaire, and the National Order of Merit. While it has undergone various transformations over the centuries and newer wings were added to support its educational mission, the structure has remained remarkably well preserved since the 18th century.

  Visitors will be able to stroll through France's largest cloister, glimpse the monks' refectory where students still dine, and discover the splendid plastic arts room housing a collection of Louvre plaster casts.

  Students and members of the staff will be on hand to talk about this unusual school and the history-soaked building that houses it.

  Conditions de participation : Free upon registration; registration opens in early September - Free | Booking required - https://boutique.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com/visites-guidees/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine/journees-du-patrimoine-maison-deducation-de-la-legion-dhonneur

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM

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