“A bronze sculpture a naked man holding a baby?” That’s how whispers about Collége Paul Valéry began. This isn’t just any school. It’s a Parisian institution steeped in history and innovation. Built at the start of the 1960s on the old Thiers wall it initially served as an annex to Lycée Jean-Baptiste-Say. It later became Lycée Mixte du boulevard Soult before receiving its current name in 1962. The name Paul Valéry was chosen after a student survey. Hellenist Pierre Fortassier suggested it.
Collége Paul Valéry is enormous. It stretches 200 meters along boulevard Soult. Four floors house around 1750 students. Its vast size reflects the post-war baby boom. At its opening it had the widest catchment area in Paris. It covered the eastern part of Paris and even stretched into the Val-de-Marne department. The architects JC Dondel and R Dhuit designed the building. It’s similar to other lycées built in the early 1960s. Long and linear the building features repeating windows and multicoloured panes overlooking the courtyard. Green and orange mosaics adorn its walls.
But the real story involves that controversial bronze sculpture. Robert Couturier created it. It depicted a nude man and a clothed woman holding a baby. It caused quite a stir among parents. The administration remained silent. However after the summer break the sculpture and the circular grass area it occupied had vanished. This left a blank space in the school’s history a mystery that continues to intrigue.
Collége Paul Valéry is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place of artistic innovation. In 1983 it launched France’s first audiovisual cinema section. For two decades it offered a wide variety of artistic courses. Even today it’s unique. It’s the only lycée in Paris providing cinema options for preparatory classes to the grandes écoles. It works closely with the École Normale Supérieure. These classes are highly sought after. They offer pathways into elite institutions.
The school also has a significant sporting legacy. A four-hectare field caters to the students athletic pursuits. The Collége Paul Valéry stands as a testament to both academic achievement and artistic expression. Its unusual history and remarkable artistic programs make it a true Parisian gem. A place where students not only learn but create and grow. A place where a missing bronze sculpture still sparks conversation and curiosity. It is a lively place full of stories. Collége Paul Valéry remains a vibrant part of Parisian life.