Lycée Émile-Zola

Historic Building in Rennes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fab5669

Lycée Émile-Zola in Rennes is one of the oldest and most respected secondary schools in Brittany, with a history that stretches back to 1803. It was among the first nine lycées established by Napoleon Bonaparte’s education reforms and has since built a lasting reputation for academic excellence. Located on Avenue Jean-Janvier in the city centre, the school occupies a distinguished 19th-century building designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot. Its architecture, marked by symmetry, brick and limestone construction, and a central clock tower, reflects the grandeur of the Second Empire style that was popular at the time.

The school also holds an important place in French national history. In 1899, its main hall became the site of the second trial of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, one of the most defining moments in the country’s political and judicial history. The event drew national attention and placed the school at the heart of a debate that reshaped the values of the Republic. The lycée also played a role in literary history—between 1881 and 1891, student Alfred Jarry developed the iconic character Père Ubu here, laying the groundwork for his satirical play Ubu Roi, a cornerstone of avant-garde theatre.

Today, Lycée Émile-Zola remains a cornerstone of Rennes’ educational landscape, serving over 1,500 students across both collège and lycée levels. It offers a diverse and rigorous curriculum, including international and European sections with instruction in languages such as English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Latin, and Ancient Greek. Its legacy of intellectual inquiry, cultural contribution, and historical importance continues to define its identity as a leading institution in the region.

The Lycée Émile-Zola appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rennes!

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