This is a rather rare opportunity to see École Polytechnique in a light other than through its entrance exams or its laboratories. For the 2026 European Heritage Days, the institution will open its Palaiseau campus to the public on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, with several free tours organized throughout the afternoon.
This year’s event coincides with a particularly significant date for École Polytechnique: exactly 50 years ago, in 1976, École Polytechnique left Paris to settle on the Saclay plateau, which at the time was still largely covered in fields. The campus, designed by architect Henri Pottier, has since become the heart of one of France’s leading scientific hubs. The future Polytechnique station on Line 18 is scheduled to open nearby between late 2026 and early 2027.
A tour of École Polytechnique led by its students
Rather than a traditional institutional tour, students from the engineering program and the Bachelor of Science program will guide the groups. The tour will take participants through several areas of the campus and will offer a chance to explore the students’ living spaces, while also reflecting on the site’s evolution since its establishment in Saclay.
Four tours in French are scheduled each day at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Two tours in English are also scheduled at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Registration is already open, and space is limited. Each visitor, including minors, must have their own reservation. Admission is open to those ages 13 and older, and valid identification will be required at the entrance. Finally, the School also recommends arriving about fifteen minutes before the tour begins.
Book a tour of École Polytechnique
Location: École Polytechnique, Route de Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau
Hours: Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., by reservation only