Institut de France

Institut de France Review

The Institut is one of France's most revered cultural institutions, and its golden dome is one of the Rive Gauche's most impressive landmarks. The site once held the Tour de Nesle, which formed part of Philippe-Auguste's medieval fortification wall along the Seine; the tower had many royal occupants, including Henry V of England. In 1661 the wealthy Cardinal Mazarin willed 2 million French livres (pounds) for the construction of a college. It's also home to the Académie Française: protectors of the French language. The edicts issued by this fusty group of 40 "perpétual" (lifelong) members are happily ignored by the French public, who prefer to send an e-mail rather than the Académie-approved courriel. The Institute is off-limits to visitors.