College of Bernardins

The restoration of the Collège des Bernardins

As an urban stakeholder and long-term investor, Foncière des Régions pays particular attention to architecture, as an art, a discipline and as a tribute to our past. En 2008, Foncière des Régions lent its support to the restoration of the Collège des Bernardins, a magnificent example of Cistercian art in the heart of Paris (France).

History and architecture: restore to share

A jewel of 13th century architecture, the Collège des Bernardins is one of the largest medieval buildings in Paris. There was just one aim sought in restoring this building, a four-year project involving the State, the Region, the City and the Diocese of Paris: return the Collège des Bernardins to its original state, while providing it with modern infrastructure (a lecture hall, meeting rooms, etc.). The aesthetic decisions made were based on a contemporary translation of Cistercian sobriety in terms of the choice of simple forms and quality materials.

A place for discussions and culture

Thanks to the work of Hervé Baptiste, Senior Architect for French Monuments Historiques, and Jean-Michel Wilmotte, this significanthistoric building is now a “major cultural venue” providing visitors with areas for exhibitions, research and discussions about social issues.
Committed to a long-term partnership, Foncière des Régions will continue to be involved in the conservation and promotion of this architectural heritage.