Strasbourg: visiting Lycée des Pontonniers

During the 2024 European Heritage Days, we took the opportunity to visit the inside of Lycée des Pontonniers, an iconic landmark of the Neustadt quarter in Strasbourg.

With over 1000 students ranging from high school to preparatory classes, Lycée des Pontonniers International High School is one of the most reputable educational establishments in Strasbourg. The building is one of the symbols of the Neustadt, Strasbourg’s old German imperial quarter, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.

The school was open to the public for the European Heritage days, on the 21st and 22nd of September 2024. We jumped at the chance to explore the building.

During our guided tour, the students in AP History of Art told us all about the distinctive features of their high school, which to them is obviously the most beautiful in the country. They started by pointing out the specific architectural details both outside and inside the school.

The Historicist style building was completed in 1902, in the exact location of the former caserne des Pontonniers (military barracks).  The façade includes references to the Gothic and Renaissance styles, borrowing details from several of Strasbourg’s most famous edifices, such as the Cathedral.

The tour mostly focused on the school’s main building, taking us through the inside of the school from the staff room all the way up to the angel archway on the 4th floor.

The students introduced us to the school’s history and even revealed a few secrets. A few highlights included the great main staircase with its intricately ornate columns and guardrail, the staff library, and the headmistress’ office.

Our tour group consisted of people from all generations. Former students who were keen to compare the school to memories from their school days. Curious visitors, who, like us, pass by the building on a regular basis but had never had the chance to see inside. And Harry Potter fans who wanted to explore behind the scenes of Strasbourg’s very own “Hogwarts”. Our student tour guides even drew a parallel to the books by pointing out that an owl has long been the school’s emblem. This symbol of scholarship can be seen in the main stairwell, and on the main gates of Lycée des Pontonniers.

During this exceptional 45-minute tour, we found ourselves somewhat nostalgic, reminiscing about our own high school years.

As we left the school we crossed pont Saint-Etienne and walked along the river Ill on quai Lézay-Marnésia, to admire the beautiful façade of this extraordinary place one last time before heading home.