Ecole Polytechnique Museum & Synchrotron Soleil

At the heart of French science and innovation
1 day

Fill up on discoveries

Transport

We organize your transport by coach, train or plane

Visite découverte

Passez de surprise en surprise au fil de votre journée

Price upon request

Groups

All-inclusive prices for small and large groups

With guide

You won't miss a single detail - they know their subject inside out.

French
English
Other languages on request

A day of scientific heritage and cutting-edge technology

This excursion invites you to discover a little-known face of the Paris Region: that of science, research and innovation. Located in the heart of the Saclay plateau, this day trip combines a visit to the École Polytechnique museum and the SOLEIL Synchrotron, two emblematic sites of French scientific knowledge.

Designed for groups, this experience offers a unique blend of scientific history and cutting-edge technology.

The École Polytechnique Museum: over two centuries of scientific history

In Palaiseau, Mus’X, the École Polytechnique museum, traces over 230 years of scientific and academic history.

Founded in 1794 to train the engineers the nation needed, École Polytechnique quickly established itself as one of France’s most prestigious institutions.

The museum allows you to discover :

  • Ancient scientific instruments
  • Rare archives and books
  • Objects linked to the great discoveries

These collections bear witness to the evolution of science, from mathematics to physics and chemistry.

An institution at the heart of French history

Created under the impetus of Gaspard Monge and Lazare Carnot, the school became the École Polytechnique in 1795, then adopted military status under Napoleon in 1804.

Over the years, it has welcomed such major figures as :

  • Pierre and Marie Curie
  • Henri Becquerel
  • Valéry Giscard d’Estaing

The tour provides an insight into the influence of this institution on French scientific, political and industrial history.

Immerse yourself in the everyday life of a scientist

Several themes are covered along the way:

  • Mathematics
  • Electricity
  • Chemistry
  • Major scientific advances

Visitors can observe exceptional pieces, such as an 18th-century microscope designed for Louis XV.

This tour offers a real insight into the lives of researchers and students over the centuries.

The SOLEIL Synchrotron: a concentrate of futuristic technology

The discovery continues at the SOLEIL Synchrotron in Saint-Aubin, in the heart of the Saclay plateau.

Inaugurated in 2006, this research center is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in Europe.

It is distinguished by :

  • A storage ring over 300 metres long
  • Light up to 10,000 times brighter than the sun
  • State-of-the-art research facilities

Understanding how a synchrotron works

The synchrotron is a particle gas pedal that produces extremely intense light used to analyze matter.

This technology enables :

  • Study materials at the atomic scale
  • Analyze works of art or antique objects
  • Advance scientific research

It is used in many fields, including medicine, pharmaceuticals and nanotechnology.

An experience combining heritage and innovation

Combining the École Polytechnique Museum and the SOLEIL Synchrotron allows visitors to discover two complementary dimensions:

  • France’sscientific heritage
  • Today’s technological innovation

This course offers :

  • A global understanding of science
  • An immersion in research
  • An original experience

An ideal excursion for groups

This tour is ideal for groups, including :

  • Associations
  • Companies
  • School or university groups

It offers a pedagogical, accessible approach, enabling everyone to understand complex subjects.

Why choose this scientific excursion in the Paris region?

Choosing this outing means discovering a little-known, forward-looking Paris.

It enables :

  • Visit a unique scientific museum
  • Discover cutting-edge technology
  • Understand the challenges of research
  • An enriching group experience

Between the history of science and innovation, this day will be captivating.

(Please note that due to the presence of magnets, the site remains off-limits to children under 12 and people with pacemakers, insulin pumps, etc.).

Demandez votre devis pour organiser un voyage de groupe

Questions fréquentes (FAQ)

What can you discover at the École Polytechnique museum (Mus'X)?

The École Polytechnique museum, known as Mus'X, offers visitors a glimpse into over two centuries of scientific and academic history. On display are ancient scientific instruments, rare archives and objects linked to major discoveries. The visit provides an insight into the development of science in France and the major role played by this institution in training engineers and researchers who have left their mark on history.

What is the SOLEIL Synchrotron and what is it used for?

The SOLEIL Synchrotron is a particle gas pedal that produces extremely intense light used to analyze matter on a very fine scale. This technology is helping to advance research in fields as diverse as medicine, pharmacy, chemistry and nanotechnology. It is a major scientific tool, used by researchers worldwide to study materials and develop new innovations.

Is this tour suitable for groups?

Yes, this tour is ideally suited to school, university and professional groups. It offers a structured, educational program to discover both the history of science and cutting-edge technologies. Accompanied by a guide, participants gain a better understanding of complex subjects while enjoying an original and enriching experience.

Tous ces circuits / visites sont des propositions de programmes possibles.

Ils peuvent être modifiés, se combiner, ou s’associer à d’autres demandes conçues sur-mesure pour vous, consultez-nous !