About
The Collège des Écossais, or Scots College, stands in Montpellier, in the Occitania region of southern France. Its address is 533, avenue Abbé-Paul-Parguel, so it is a place you can reach directly from the city centre by following that avenue.
The college was founded in the 17th century to educate Scottish Catholic clergy who had gone into exile. Today it is recognised as a heritage site, and it is a tangible reminder of the long-standing connections between Scotland and France, connections that shaped religious and academic life on both sides of the Channel.
What you will find
- A chapel, which speaks to the college's original purpose as a place of religious training.
- Archives of Scottish Catholic history, which document the community the college was built to serve.
- A historic building whose age and role make it a point of interest for visitors interested in the history of education and religion in France.
Is it worth a visit?
If you are drawn to the history of exile, faith and education, or to the Franco-Scottish connection, the Collège des Écossais offers a focused and rewarding stop. It suits a visitor with a particular interest rather than a quick sightseeing tour. Pairing it with a walk through Montpellier itself, a city with a long academic tradition, gives the visit more context.
Before you go, check the current opening arrangements directly, as these are not covered here.