The Journées du Patrimoine return to Paris and the Île-de-France region on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. To mark the occasion, the Paris region is opening the doors to its finest treasures, and giving us a chance to discover our heritage in a whole new way. How about a unique visit to the heart of a Parisian militaryinstitution ?
For the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, theEcole Militaire, located in the capital's 7tharrondissement , is opening its doors to Parisians on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025.
Founded in 1751, the 12-hectare École Militaire was established by Louis XV. Since then, the school has seen the likes of Napoleon I, who was also a pupil, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, General De Gaulle and Pope John Paul II. It was even listed as a historic monument in 1990.
Today,the École Militaire is home to the world's leading colleges of higher military education: the Army, Air Force, Navy and Gendarmerie, including the prestigious École de Guerre. It also includes the Armed Forces Research and Strategy Center.
August 25, 1944: General Leclerc, commander of the 2nd armored division, is tasked with liberating Paris. His priority was to topple the few entrenched German camps that the Parisian FFI were unable to fight. The École Militaire was one of these strongholds.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the École Militaire invites you to discover the reconstruction of a bivouac evoking this important moment in history: US vehicles, soldiers of the 2e DB in period uniforms, field hospital and nurses of the 2eDB (Les Rochambelles), recruitment center, maquisards and FFI...
You can pre-register online for faster access to the École Militaire entrance by clicking on this link...
The history of the École Militaire de Paris is closely linked to the life of Emperor Napoleon I*.
That's why, to mark the European Heritage Days, the École Militaire is offering two events:
- an exhibition dedicated to the life of the young Bonaparte, a student at the École royale militaire.
- a reconstruction of a Napoleonic bivouac (1st regiment of Grenadiers d'Île-de-France).
* Young Bonaparte entered the prestigious École royale militaire in 1784, at the age of 15, as a cadet-gentilhomme, or officer cadet. In 1785, after just one year, he was awarded his brevet de sous-lieutenance. Ten years later, already a brigadier general and the Revolution's strong arm, he set up his headquarters at the École Militaire and barracks his troops there. From 1804 to 1814, the École Militaire and the Champ-de-Mars were used as backdrops to celebrate the Emperor, pay tribute to his valiant Grognards and celebrate the highlights of his personal life. Even today, most of the École Militaire's courtyards bear the names of soldiers killed during the battles of Austerlitz and Marengo.
You can pre-register online for faster access to the École Militaire entrance by clicking on this link...
TheÉcole Militaire is located in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 under the reign of Louis XV, the École Militaire has seen the likes of Napoleon I (who was also a pupil), Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Marshals Foch and Joffre, General De Gaulle and Pope John Paul II. It was listed as a historic monument in 1990.
More than 270 years after its creation, the École Militaire continues to pursue its mission of higher military education for officers.
Highlights include the Saint-Louis chapel, the Gabriel rotunda and the bilbiothèque patrimoniale (reopened to the public this year). The Salon des Maréchaux will also be open to the public before undergoing major renovations next year. Don't miss it!
Lunch available at the Cercle mess. Click here to see the menus...
You can pre-register online for faster access to the École Militaire entrance by clicking on this link...
Every year, 10,000 visitors come to theÉcole Militaire to discover its architecture, heritage, themed exhibitions, events, historical re-enactments and more.
If, unfortunately, you don't have the time this year, you can still visit this exceptional site, and discover its unique historical heritage through short videos on YouTube® and numerous posts on Instagram®.
Find us on Instgram®: https: //www.instagram.com/ecole.militaire.paris
° Find us on YouTube® and watch the videos...
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBgAnTT4wb9qgnYBFV6snijfJBqLAUgmF&feature=shared
In a vast space entirely dedicated to young visitors, two partners renowned for their expertise offer children an edutainment approach to history and heritage.
* Épicure/Histoire en briques workshop: using Lego®, Duplo® and Cobi® bricks, come and build and reconstitute symbolic objects from our heritage and our armies.
* Unique Héritage - Quelle Histoire workshop: color and make badges in the colors of historical figures associated with the École Militaire.
TheÉcole Militaire is located in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 under the reign of Louis XV, it has seen the likes of Napoleon I (who was also a pupil), Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Marshals Foch and Joffre, General De Gaulle and Pope John Paul II. It was listed as a historic monument in 1990.
Lunch is available on site at the Cercle Mess and in the walled garden of the Cour Leclerc-Almandet. Self-service access from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Musical accompaniment by a band of military musicians (weather permitting).
Click here to see the menus...
Dedicated to Saint Louis, the chapel of the École Militaire features a unique collection of nine giant canvases (some of which are currently being restored) depicting the life of Louis IX. The altar, decorated by Caffieri, takes the form of a tomb. The communion grille was designed by Fayet.
The young Napoleon Bonaparte received the sacrament of Confirmation here in 1785. Open to worship until the Revolution, the chapel was then used as a warehouse, and was not returned to normal use until 1950. Pope John Paul II came to pray here on June 2, 1980, during his first visit to France. The prie-Dieu on which he knelt can still be seen.
Choir at 3pm on Sunday September 21.
Founded in 1751 under Louis XV, theÉcole Militaire (7th arrondissement) is located in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
This place steeped in history has seen the likes of Napoleon I, who was a pupil here, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Marshals Foch and Joffre, General De Gaulle and Pope John Paul II.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, children can not only visit the École Militaire, but also take part in a fun sports trail. An activity just for them!
* You can pre-register online for faster access to the École Militaire entrance by clicking on this link...
The equestrian section has existed since the École Militaire was founded in the 18th century. Today it has 80 horses and continues to perpetuate the tradition of military riding.
The École Militaire's equestrian section opens its stables and tack room to the public. Demonstrations are offered, including overtaking, farriery, grooming, dressage and discovery of the equestrian world...
Self-guided tours: Saturday from 1.30pm and Sunday from 10am.
Demonstrations: Saturday, 3:00 pm (dressage) and 5:00 pm (show jumping); Sunday, 2:00 pm (show jumping) and 5:00 pm (dressage).
* To mark the European Heritage Days, the École Militaire is offering a series of lectures and screenings:
* Soldiers of the Image, a screening-debate presented by the Établissement de Communication et de Production Audiovisuelle de la Défense (ECPAD). Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
* Sur les chemins de la mémoire: a series of short films about the 14-18 and 39-45 wars, directed by Patrice Guillain. Screening and discussion with the director. Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Military School
1 Place Joffre
75007 Paris 7
Prices
Free
Official website
www.paris-ecole-militaire.fr
