Step 4: Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'Honneur
Housed within the former royal abbey of Saint-Denis, the Maison d’éducation de la Légion d’Honneur is a prestigious school that is usually closed to the public. During organized tours, visitors discover a site steeped in history, linked to royalty, Napoleon, and the education of young girls who are recipients or descendants of recipients of the Legion of Honour.
1.5-hour tour, €24 admission
The Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur is located in the former royal abbey of Saint-Denis.
As early as the Middle Ages, a religious community settled near the tomb of Saint Denis to maintain it and welcome pilgrims. Thanks to influential abbots and the protection of the Kings of France, the abbey's spiritual renown spread beyond the borders of the kingdom.
The abbey complex was rebuilt several times, taking on the form we see today in the 18th century. It was in 1791, when monastic orders were abolished by the Convention, that the buildings were abandoned and even threatened with destruction for a time.
Napoleon, while visiting Saint-Denis, decided to assign them to the second Maison d'éducation for young girls, the first being Ecouen. This institution continues to operate in this capacity, welcoming nearly 500 secondary school students each year.
Visits by reservation only.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Price
€24 per person