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Every year the Cité Internationale accommodates 12,000 students, researchers and artists in its 40 houses.

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THE FRANCO-BRITISH COLLEGE

HISTORY

A symbol of friendship between France and Great Britain

The Franco-British College was conceived of as a symbol of friendship between the nations after the First World War, and it was originally intended to house an equal number of French and British students. In 1927 a committee was created to gather the necessary funds. Donors included the French government and a Franco-British couple, Edward and Helen Nathan. The building opened on 16 July 1937 in a ceremony attended by Albert Lebrun, President of France, Jean Zay, France’s Minister of Education, Sir Eric Phipps, the French ambassador to Great Britain and some twenty representatives from British universities. 

Did you know?
Above the entrance inside the Franc-British College, the seals of Great Britain and France flank the seal of the Sorbonne, reminding all visitors of the building’s history. 
Classic English architecture

The Franco-British College was designed by Pierre Martin and Maurice Vieu, the two architects who, you may know, also designed South-East Asia House. Their vision for this building was a stately, harmonious plan with a style reminiscent of colleges across the Channel with their red brick, bay windows, turrets and tall chimney stacks. 

Did you know?
The u-shape of the Franco-British College encloses a south-facing garden with a view of the Cité internationale’s park, making it a much sought-after spot in fine weather. 
Fully renovated

Between 1999 and 2001, the Franco-British College underwent major renovations financed by grants from the Ile-de-France region and the City of Paris, as well as a loan taken out by the Cité internationale. This work was overseen by architect Vincent Sabatier and aimed to make the living quarters more comfortable and to provide different types of accommodation as well. The building now offers rooms for students and studio apartments for researchers. 

Did you know?
In 2008, the Researchers Club took up residence in the Franco-British College, providing a friendly setting with a warm atmosphere where visiting researchers can meet their peers.