THE MILITARY NATIONAL PRYTANUM

This former Jesuit college was created by Henri IV in 1603. He became a national military prytano only under Napoleon I. Today, the institution provides second degree instruction and preparation for entry competitions to major military schools. In the tradition of Jesuit schools, schools of excellence, he welcomed and trained a large number of famous men: Descartes, Talleyrand, but also Father Prévost of Manon Lescaut, Claude Chappe, author of the telegraph. Closer to us, Jean-Claude Brialy made his first weapons… school, of course, as well as spationaut Patrick Baudry. Its architectural and historical heritage deserves a visit, with its elegant French-style garden spread over 13 ha (built in 1771). The library is a long vaulted vessel with 30,000 volumes: The oldest is an incinity, La Cité de Dieu de Saint Augustine, dating from 1470! The Honor Portal, especially Saint Louis Church, is the most beautiful jewel of the site: The baroque church has a wonderful light. She always keeps a few remains, burned in the Revolution, of the hearts of Henri IV and Marie de Médicis. Finally, a new museum space has recently opened up: We can now visit the physics firm and its instruments.