Taxi and Shuttle transfer from CDG airport to the Sorbonne in Paris

History and Tour of the Sorbonne in Paris

The Sorbonne, situated in the Latin Quarter of the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is an iconic monument comprising three main buildings constructed in the thirteenth, seventeenth, and nineteenth centuries. Named after its founder, Robert de Sorbon, a chaplain and confessor to King Louis IX, the Sorbonne has played a pivotal role in the educational landscape of Paris. As the head of the Chancery of the universities of Paris, it hosts activities from the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th arrondissements of Paris along with those from two other major schools. Its extensive library serves the student and faculty community of various universities. On February 10, 1887, the Sorbonne’s chapel was classified as a historical monument, and on September 30, 1975, the Grand Theatre and all associated buildings received the same designation.

Historically, the Sorbonne originated as a college focused on theological studies, established by Robert de Sorbon in 1253 within the grounds of the University of Paris. Initially, it could accommodate only twenty students. The scarcity of premises led King Saint Louis to provide houses on the Street Coupe-Gueule for their accommodation. With assistance from Guillaume de Chartres, Sorbon expanded the college by acquiring surrounding properties. By the fourteenth century, the college boasted a chapel. In the seventeenth century, under the direction of Cardinal Richelieu, who succeeded Cardinal Harley as the Principal of the College of Sorbonne in 1622, a significant renovation was undertaken due to the buildings’ dilapidated state. Architect Jacques Lemercier employed a classic style for the reconstruction, which commenced in 1635. Most of the structures were demolished, except for the chapel. By 1642, following Cardinal Richelieu’s death, the principal construction work neared completion. The Duchess of Aiguillon, Richelieu’s heiress, continued the work, thereby expanding the college and enriching it with the cardinal’s fortune and library.

The institution faced transformations during the French Revolution; it was closed to students and repurposed as artists’ studios by Napoleon Bonaparte. The chapel was converted into a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Reason in 1794.

Reorganization and significance of the Sorbonne in the 19th century

In the nineteenth century, the Sorbonne was established five types of schools following the reorganization of the French education system, established by Napoleon. It housed the faculties of theology, medicine, sciences, humanities and law school. Some time later, she served as a member of the Rector of the Academy of Paris. In 1880, the architect Henri Paul Nénot won the competition to the reconstruction project site. Nénot was again demolish the buildings in 1884 with the exception of the chapel. The demolition took alone ten years. The complex was completed in 1901. The Sorbonne has been the bastion of some student demonstrations such as the riot of 1968, the events of 2006 or those of 2009. Belonging to the city of Paris, the complex is in principle open to students and teaching staff of different institutions within it. However, the group visits are organized for the general public, an opportunity not to be missed.