Prefecture and Thesis Hall

The prefecture and the Salle des Thèses, in Orléans

The prefecture and the Salle des Thèses occupy a site in the heart of Gallo-Roman Orléans, rich in old vestiges. The Orléans audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this place laden with history, where the Salle des Thèses recalls the past of the famous medieval university of the town.

The memory of the medieval university

You are here in the heart of what Orléans was in the Gallo-Roman era. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the words of the Benedictine monks, who affirmed having found quantities of cut stones coming certainly from old ancient buildings. This sector, occupied since Antiquity, testifies to the antiquity of the town, that was then called Cenabum then Aurelianum, at the origin of its current name. But the jewel of this place is the Salle des Thèses, a fine medieval building of the fifteenth century, last vestige of the famous university of Orléans. This university, one of the most prestigious of the Middle Ages, was renowned throughout Europe for its teaching of law, and attracted students come from afar, some of whom became illustrious figures. The Salle des Thèses, former library and place where the students defended their theses, is the only subsisting witness of this intellectual influence. The prefecture, an official building, today occupies a part of this historic site. The ensemble recalls the rich ancient and university past of Orléans. A university vestige and a witness of the past, the Salle des Thèses is a fine stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

Here you discover a site occupied since the Gallo-Roman era, confirmed by the archaeological excavations, in the heart of the ancient Aurelianum; its jewel is the Salle des Thèses, a fine medieval building of the fifteenth century, last vestige of the famous university of Orléans, renowned throughout Europe for its teaching of law, where the students defended their theses. The Salle des Thèses is a university vestige of Orléans. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The prefecture and the Salle des Thèses lie in the heart of Orléans, reachable on foot. You admire the façades from outside; the Salle des Thèses and the prefecture are buildings whose interior access follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to inquire before coming.

What is the Salle des Thèses in Orléans?

A fine medieval building of the fifteenth century, last vestige of the famous university of Orléans, one of the most prestigious of the Middle Ages, renowned throughout Europe for its teaching of law; former library and place where the students defended their theses, it testifies to the intellectual influence of the town, on a site occupied since the Gallo-Roman era.

Where are the prefecture and the Salle des Thèses in Orléans?

In the heart of Orléans, in France.