Overview

Founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon, King Saint-Louis' Chaplain, la Sorbonne is famous around the world. At its humble beginning, 16 students of Theology studied there. Now thousands of students strive to perfect their expertise in every field of study. The chapel is the only building that remains of those ordered to be built by the Cardinal of Richelieu, headmaster of the university in 1626, who was buried in the chapel. University activity was suppressed during the French revolution by a decree in 1791, but the university was re-established by Napoléon in 1806. Beginning at the end of the 19th Century, a new Sorbonne was created through the additions of the Palais Académique, the Grand Amphithéâtre and the Grande Bibliothèque during a massive reconstruction project. Today, the Sorbonne continues to welcome the best students and researchers from France and around the world to work and learn together! There is no entry fee to visit the University.