Institut de géographie

The Institut de géographie is a building in the 5th arrondissement featuring Renaissance-inspired elements with brick and stone facades designed by architect Henri-Paul Nénot in the 1920s. The structure houses several lecture halls and meeting rooms throughout, including a large central amphitheater and smaller spaces for classes and seminars.

The Marquise Arconati-Visconti funded its establishment in 1914, with construction completed and the doors opening to students and researchers in 1926. The building emerged during a period of academic expansion in Paris and quickly established itself as a research hub.

A large world map greets visitors in the entrance hall, immediately setting the focus on global geographical study. The spaces within reflect a deep tradition of geographic research that shapes how the building is used and organized.

The location is best reached on foot while exploring the Latin Quarter, where other university and research buildings are nearby. Keep in mind this is an active academic space, so access and opening times may be limited depending on ongoing events or research activities.

Notable French geographers Paul Vidal de La Blache and Emmanuel de Martonne conducted their research and taught within these halls. These scholars shaped modern geography, and their intellectual legacy continues to influence the academic work carried out here.