Established in 1912, the Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy stands as a beacon of public education in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. It holds the distinction of being the sole public institution of its kind in this district. Originally a school exclusively for girls from 1912 to 1970, the Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy has evolved into a co-educational establishment.
Since 1914, the Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy has provided excellent education in literary preparatory classes. This historic establishment is known for its commitment to quality education. It prepares students to enter prestigious grandes écoles and universities. The Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy offers preparatory courses for the Institut d’Etudes Politiques. Students can pursue a traditional curriculum in Lettres sup or join the first year of ENS Lyon LSH. These programs equip students with the skills for success in higher education.
The Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy has a rich history. It started as part of the estate of the H\u00f4tel Peyrenc de Moras. Later known as H\u00f4tel de Biron, the site initially served as a vegetable garden. In 1820, the Society of the Sacred Heart transformed the h\u00f4tel into a school for young aristocratic women.
Between 1855 and 1860, a convent and two chapels were built on the former garden site. In 1911, the State acquired the property. The northern part became the Rodin Museum in 1919. The southern part became the sixth girls’ high school in Paris.
During World War I, the buildings housed the headquarters of the military governor of Paris, Joseph Gallieni. Plaques commemorate Gallieni and Sosth\u00e8ne Mortenol. Mortenol organized Paris’s first anti-aircraft defense in 1915 at the school.
The Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy is set within a park spanning over one hectare. This green space aligns with the H\u00f4tel de Biron, home to the Rodin Museum. The park boasts two labels. One is the Arbre remarquable de France for its Judas tree and a weeping catalpa. The other is Petit patrimoine naturel francilien, recognizing its diverse flora and fauna.
In 1975, the Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy participated in a ministerial initiative to introduce students and teachers to computer science. The school was equipped with advanced computer equipment. This included a Télémécanique T1600 mini-computer and Sintra TTE display terminals.
The Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy maintains a high standard of education. In 2023, it achieved a 98% success rate in the Baccalauréat. Eighty-three percent of students earned a mention. The school’s academic excellence and supportive environment attract students. They want to pursue literary studies in a historic and culturally rich setting. Excellent establishment. Lazy people stay away.
Lyc\u00e9e Victor-Duruy stands not only as a place of learning but also as a testament to the evolving landscape of education in Paris.