France secondary school
The Collège de France represents an exceptional academic institution, where excellence, intellectual audacity and free research are established as fundamental values.
Its centuries-old heritage and its inestimable contribution to knowledge make it a pillar of research and higher education in France and around the world.
His history
The history of the Collège de France dates back to the 16th century, more precisely to the year 1530, when it was created by King François I. The initial objective of this institution was to promote higher education, research and the dissemination of knowledge in innovative fields, outside of traditional education provided by the University of Paris.
The Collège de France was founded with an original structure and great academic freedom granted to its professors. At the time, it was made up of eight chairs, whose teachers, called "royal readers", were chosen by the king himself from among the most eminent minds in their discipline. These teachers benefited from great independence to develop their courses and research, without conforming to established university programs.
Over the centuries, the Collège de France has played a central role in the advancement of knowledge and the emergence of new disciplines. Many great intellectuals, scholars and thinkers have taught at this institution, contributing to the development of sciences, letters, arts and humanities.
During the French Revolution, the Collège de France was reorganized and its professors were subject to the authority of the National Convention. However, this period was marked by a certain instability and a reduction in the institution's activities.
Over the following centuries, the Collège de France regained its place of excellence in the French academic landscape. New chairs have been created, reflecting scientific advances and contemporary issues. Today, the Collège de France has more than fifty chairs, spread across various fields of knowledge, ranging from fundamental sciences to social sciences, including arts and letters.
Current Conferences
Conferences at the Collège de France cover a wide range of areas of knowledge, reflecting the diversity and richness of academic research. The chairs of the Collège de France are occupied by eminent professors recognized in their respective fields, who have the privilege of sharing their knowledge and discoveries with an attentive and curious public.
The conferences cover subjects as varied as fundamental sciences, human and social sciences, letters, arts, philosophy, linguistics, history, physics, biology, medicine, sociology, economics, and many others. Each professor, an expert in their field, offers a course program that explores in depth the most recent theories, methods and advances in their discipline.
Conferences at the Collège de France thus offer the opportunity to attend cutting-edge presentations, based on cutting-edge research and innovative thinking. They allow you to discover the latest scientific advances, current intellectual debates and new perspectives in different fields of knowledge.
Discover the NEW 2023/2024 program here
How to attend conferences
To attend conferences at the Collège de France, several options are available:
- Conference program: Consult the official program of the Collège de France to find out the dates, times and topics of upcoming conferences. It is generally available online on the Collège de France website. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive regularly updated information.
- Free access: Most conferences at the Collège de France are open to the public, without prior registration or entry fees. Simply arrive at the designated time and take a seat in the relevant amphitheater. Be sure to arrive early enough, however, as some conferences can attract large numbers of people.
- Limited capacity: Note that the lecture halls of the Collège de France have limited capacity, and some conferences may fill up quickly. If you wish to attend a specific conference, it is recommended that you arrive early to guarantee your place.
- Online broadcast: Some conferences are also broadcast live on the Internet or recorded for later consultation. The Collège de France website generally offers access to audio and video recordings of past conferences, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the shared knowledge.