PRESENTATION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL

Our establishment is located in the heart of the city of Charleville-Mézières, in the Ardennes department and in the greater Grand Est region.

Located in the heart of Charleville-Mézières, Lycée Sévigné is a public school within the Reims academy that welcomes approximately 1,000 students each year in an environment conducive to success, personal growth, and the development of future career paths. Inheriting a long educational tradition, the school combines academic rigor, cultural openness, and individualized support. It offers general and technological programs, as well as a diverse range of higher education options, enabling students to progressively build their academic and professional plans.

Lycée Sévigné stands out for the breadth of its educational offerings. Students can choose from numerous specializations in general and technological tracks, particularly in the fields of science, humanities, languages, digital technology, economics and social sciences, and the arts. The school is also renowned for its artistic and cultural programs, with courses in film and audiovisual studies, theater, music, and art history. With a global perspective, the school emphasizes the study of modern and classical languages, offers European sections, and promotes cultural, civic, and sporting projects that contribute to the development of responsible, independent, and engaged young people. The school also has a boarding facility and a cafeteria, ensuring students are accommodated in optimal conditions. Finally, Lycée Sévigné is situated within a remarkable architectural setting. Rebuilt after the 1967 fire under the direction of architect Jean Faugeron, it now holds the "Remarkable Contemporary Architecture" designation, a testament to its unique identity within the city's heritage. A place of excellence, ambition and success, Lycée Sévigné supports each student in building their future by promoting intellectual curiosity, cultural openness and the success of all.


"20th Century Heritage" LABEL

The Lycée Sévigné is a building designated as "Remarkable Contemporary Architecture". In total, five buildings in Charleville-Mézières have received this designation.

The first Lycée Sévigné, built in 1886, was destroyed by fire in 1967. Its partial reconstruction was then decided upon and entrusted to the architect Jean Faugeron (1915-1983), a former member of the Casa Vélasquez in Madrid, famous at the time for the commission he had received for the French pavilion at the 1967 Montreal World's Fair.

The building is constructed of concrete according to a geometric plan where the regularly spaced bays are distinguished only by the interplay of colors in the spandrel panels. To soften this geometry, the architect placed thin, vertical concrete louvers in front of the windows on several levels, irregularly distributed to create a visual rhythm that gives the building its unique character. In 2008, a new building designed by the firm Thiénot-Ballan-Zulaica was added to this complex, drawing inspiration for its facade decoration from Jean Faugeron's project.

Established by the Ministry of Culture and Communication in 1999, the "20th century heritage" label aims to safeguard and enhance major 20th-century buildings and urban ensembles constructed between 1900 and 1975. This label can be awarded to works of art, housing, public or religious buildings, factories, tourist facilities, sports facilities... all buildings that bear witness to the technical, economic and social evolution of our society.

The label is indicated on each of the buildings by a distinctive plaque bearing the inscription "20th century heritage".

In total, five buildings in Charleville-Mézières have received this label:

 

  • The Sévigné high school;
  • The town hall of Mézières;
  • The courthouse;
  • The EDF building;
  • The Church of Saint Joan of Arc.