Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher

Gazing upon the Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher, can you sense the echoes of history whispering from its art deco facade? Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher isn’t just a school. It’s a monument to a daring aviator and a testament to the architectural grandeur of the 1930s. Established in 1938, Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher was named after Hélène Boucher, a pioneering French aviator tragically killed in a plane crash just a few years prior. The school, originally designed for girls only, stands as a tribute to her spirit. The imposing structure you see before you, designed by architect Lucien Sallez, replaced a former gas factory. Sallez masterfully employed monumental, rationalist architecture, incorporating art deco elements to create a truly stunning building. Look closely at the lateral wings. Notice the remarkable frescoes by Pierre-Eugène Clairin and Frédéric Deshayes. Step inside, and if you’re lucky enough to get a glimpse, the refectory houses a grand fresco by Charles Picart Le Doux titled “Le Lac”. Above you, a triptych stained-glass window, its central panel depicting Athena, goddess of wisdom, fills the hall with light. This artwork, from the Louis Barillet workshop and designed by Jacques Le Chevallier, adds another layer of artistry to the school. Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher educates around 1,800 students from collège (middle school) to lycée (high school) levels, and even houses preparatory classes for prestigious universities. Interestingly, during World War II, a part of what is now Lycée Maurice Ravel, but was then part of the Lycée Hélène Boucher, was occupied by a German Kommandantur. The school, once a haven for young women in a male-dominated society, became a symbol of both education and resilience during wartime. Collège et Lycée Hélène Boucher continues to thrive today. It offers a wide range of academic programs, fostering a spirit of learning and innovation within its historic walls. As you leave this remarkable building, remember the echoes of history, art, and the pioneering spirit of Hélène Boucher that reside within.