Fête de la Science in Essonne

The Fête de la Science in Essonne: Research Within Everyone's Reach

Every year in October, the Saclay plateau and its surroundings, in the heart of Essonne (91190), become the stage for one of the largest scientific concentrations in Île-de-France for the Fête de la Science. Orchestrated by the Diagonale of Université Paris-Saclay, this national event, presented locally, brings together researchers, students, engineers, and the general public around a common passion: science in all its forms.

The Paris-Saclay Science Village

The highlight of the event in Essonne is the Paris-Saclay Science Village, organized at ENS Paris-Saclay. For two to three days, over 70 stands showcase the extraordinary diversity of research activities carried out by the plateau's laboratories. Fundamental physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, life sciences, artificial intelligence, human and social sciences: all disciplines are represented.

Visitors can interact directly with researchers, conduct experiments, attend live demonstrations, and ask all their questions. The stands are designed to be accessible and understandable to everyone, whether they are young children, teenagers, or curious adults.

A Rich and Varied Program

Beyond the Science Village, the Fête de la Science in Essonne offers an extended program across the entire Saclay plateau and the department:

• Participatory workshops in the laboratories of ISMO, LPS, ICMMO, and other research centers
• Public conferences on the year's scientific themes
• Laboratory tours usually closed to the public
• Thematic exhibitions on contemporary scientific issues
• Science games and quizzes for younger audiences
• Performances and artistic shows at the crossroads of science and arts

Themes and Recent Editions

Each year, the Fête de la Science is organized around a national theme. In 2025, the 34th edition took place from October 3 to 13 on the theme “Intelligence(s)”, exploring multiple forms of intelligence—human, artificial, animal, collective. Conferences, exhibitions, and workshops addressed these issues from scientific, philosophical, and artistic perspectives.

The Paris-Saclay Science Village, the main event in Essonne, welcomed thousands of visitors to ENS Paris-Saclay during the weekend of October 4 and 5, 2025, while complementary activities were offered on the Petit Plateau de Saclay, in Orsay, and on the various campuses of Université Paris-Saclay.

A World-Class Scientific Campus

The Saclay plateau is one of Europe's largest scientific and technological hubs, bringing together universities, grandes écoles, research organizations (CEA, CNRS, INRAE, INRIA), and innovative companies. The Fête de la Science is therefore an open window onto a unique research ecosystem, allowing the general public to appreciate the scale and diversity of the work carried out just a stone's throw from Paris. All events are free and open to all without registration (except for laboratory tours which may require booking).