Opened on October 1, 1926, on Rue de Lyon, the Jean Jaurès school, affectionately nicknamed 'La Berthelot' by former residents, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The event will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., promising a free and festive day.
This celebration, organized by Ms. Chazotte, director of the Pasteur-Jaurès school group, in partnership with the City of Vienne, the Centre Social d’Estressin, and the collective 'Notre quartier a de la mémoire' (Our neighborhood has memory), aims to be both a celebration and a moment of remembrance. Students are actively involved, working on the theme 'school in the past'.
Entry is free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but registration is mandatory via a QR code or at the Centre Social d’Estressin. The program includes exhibitions tracing the school's evolution and its key figures over the century. Food trucks and a refreshment stand will be available for catering. Around 3 p.m., a surprise prepared by the children will be unveiled in the presence of the Mayor of Vienne.
“"One hundred years is the story of thousands of children who crossed the gate on Rue de Lyon to learn to read, write, count, but also to grow together. In 1926, the municipality chose a modern, bright school open to all. A century later, this commitment remains ours: to offer every child in Vienne a quality, secular, and caring public school."
The school, inaugurated on October 24, 1926, replaced dilapidated facilities and offered a modern structure for its time, featuring sunny courtyards, covered playgrounds, and bright classrooms. Founded on the principles of the Jules Ferry laws, it has always welcomed everyone to impart knowledge and foster free and enlightened citizens.
The name Jean Jaurès, a philosopher and ardent defender of secular education and peace, was given to the establishment in 1926, two years after his induction into the Panthéon. A quote from Jean Jaurès, 'You hold in your hands the intelligence and soul of children; you are responsible for the homeland,' underscores the importance of the educational mission.
