“Imagine a school not just as a place of learning, but as a testament to Lyon’s history and architectural evolution.” That is the Lycée Juliette-Récamier. Here we stand before the Lycée Juliette-Récamier. It is more than just a school. It is a landmark in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. The lycée sits at 57 rue de la Charité. It’s a short walk from the Lyon-Perrache train station. Bellecour Place is also nearby.
This location is quite central. The lycée benefits from easy access to various transportation options. This includes trains, the A6 and A7 highways, and the metro. Tram lines T1 and T2 also serve the area. Many buses pass through the Perrache bus station. The universities Lyon II and Lyon III are a short walk away. The Catholic University of Lyon is also close.
The Lycée Juliette-Récamier offers secondary and higher education. It provides courses from the second year to the final year. It also has BTS programs and preparatory classes for grandes écoles. It is the only school in the Rhône-Alpes region that offers preparatory classes for ENS Cachan D1 and D2.
In 2018, the lycée was ranked 59th out of 70. This ranking was at the departmental level for teaching quality. Nationally, it was 2022nd. The ranking considers the baccalaureate success rate. It also looks at the proportion of students who complete their last two years at the school. The added value is also calculated. This calculation considers students’ social origins and their scores on the national diploma.
In the 19th century, this site was an “indiennerie”. Later, it became the Lyon tobacco factory. The factory moved to Monplaisir. The old Perrache factory was a warehouse until 1932. It was auctioned off and demolished in 1938.
The construction of the Lycée Juliette-Récamier dates back to the 1950s. Édouard Herriot, the mayor of Lyon, wanted a girls’ school. It would be named after a famous Lyonnaise woman. Juliette Récamier was a clear choice. Édouard Herriot wrote a reference book about her. She was born in Lyon in 1777.
Édouard Payen designed the lycée’s architecture. The lycée is listed within the protected area of historical monuments. Its architecture is well-known to the people of Lyon.
The Lycée Juliette-Récamier prepares students for the general baccalaureate. It offers ten specializations. These include Arts-Dance, Visual Arts, and History-Geography. Others are Humanities and Philosophy, English, Mathematics, Physics, SES, SVT, and Engineering Science.
The lycée also prepares students for the STMG technological baccalaureate. Options include Marketing and Financial Management. Throughout their schooling, students can choose from many languages. These are German, English, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese. They can also choose Arts-Dance as an optional subject. This applies to both general and technological tracks.
The Arts-Dance specialization has been around since 2003. It has a partnership with the Maison de la Danse and the Centre national de la Danse. The teaching team includes two certified dance teachers. This specialization develops a living choreographic culture. It welcomes students of all dance levels. Many international artists transmit works from the program. Students enrich themselves as spectators, choreographers, and interpreters. They also develop psychosocial skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
The Lycée Juliette-Récamier also hosts two sections of senior technicians. These prepare students for BTS degrees. There are also two preparatory classes for grandes écoles. These include the BTS in Management of Commercial Units and Assistant Management. Also, there are preparatory classes for ENS Cachan D1 and D2.
Extensive renovations are underway from 2019 to 2028. The goal is to modernize the facilities. This will provide an optimal learning environment for students. The architectural firm ARCHIGROUP is leading the project. The renovation aims to highlight the original architectural lines.
The Lycée Juliette-Récamier stands as a beacon of education. It blends history, architecture, and a commitment to student success. Its unique programs and central location make it a vital part of Lyon. It continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage.
The Lycée Juliette-Récamier has seen many notable alumni. These include philosopher Sylviane Agacinski, writer Nicole Avril, and singer Liane Foly. Also, there are artistic skater Nathalie Péchalat and visual artist Xavier Veilhan.