Fête de la Science in Hauts-de-Seine

The Fête de la Science in Hauts-de-Seine: Science at the heart of a research department

Hauts-de-Seine is one of the richest French territories in scientific and research structures. Major pharmaceutical and technological companies, university laboratories, research centers, and grandes écoles are exceptionally concentrated here. In this context, the Fête de la Science takes on a special significance: each year, it opens these usually closed-off places to the general public and makes science accessible, tangible, and exciting for everyone.

A national event with a local focus

Created in 1991 by the ministry in charge of research, the Fête de la Science is one of the most important scientific culture events in France. Every October, it brings together researchers, scientists, teachers, associations, and cultural institutions with a common goal: to share science with the public in a fun, accessible, and free way.

In Hauts-de-Seine, regional coordination by Île-de-France enables the organization of a dense and varied program throughout the department. In 2025, the national theme was “Intelligence(s)” (from October 3 to 13, 2025), exploring intelligence in all its forms: human, animal, artificial, collective. In 2026, the theme is “Savory Science” (from October 2 to 12, 2026), inviting exploration of science through the lens of food, the chemistry of aromas, and flavors.

Science Villages

The flagship format of the Fête de la Science in Hauts-de-Seine is the science village. These temporary spaces, set up in parks, university courtyards, or company lobbies, bring together a multitude of stands, workshops, and scientific experiments in one location. Researchers present their work, engineers explain their projects, and teachers offer fun experiments. Entry is free and open to all.

Workshops, Conferences, and Experiments

The program for the Fête de la Science in Hauts-de-Seine is exceptionally rich:

• Experimental workshops — chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, robotics, computer science
• Conferences and debates — with researchers and experts on societal issues
• Open house at laboratories — exceptional access to usually closed spaces
• Exhibitions — on major scientific challenges and recent discoveries
• Planetarium sessions — in institutions with astronomy equipment
• Activities for schoolchildren — specific program for classes from primary to high school

Participating Sites in Hauts-de-Seine

Many sites in the department participate in the Fête de la Science each year. Among them:

• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Université Paris Nanterre, CentraleSupélec, ENA, HEC
• Museums and cultural spaces: municipal museums, departmental Nature spaces
• Companies open to the public: pharmaceutical laboratories, technology companies in La Défense
• Libraries and media centers in all the department's towns
• Schools and high schools

A Celebration for All Audiences

The Fête de la Science in Hauts-de-Seine is designed for all audiences. Children as young as 6 can discover the magic of chemical reactions, adults can engage with the challenges of artificial intelligence, and families can share a moment of discovery and shared curiosity. Free access and inclusivity are the watchwords of this unique event in the Île-de-France cultural landscape.