Abbadia castle
Abbadia is the work of Antoine d'Abbadie (1810-1897), a humanist, academician, man of science and letters of the 19th century.
In Hendaye, between ocean and mountains, the Basque Corniche provides a spectacular setting for this building, reflecting the Basque-Irish origins of its creator and his explorations in the Orient.
Since 1996, the Académie des Sciences has opened this exceptional place to the public. Its architecture, mottos and furnishings reflect Antoine d'Abbadie's ideas and commitments, while highlighting its primary vocation: a scientific mission dedicated to astrometric and geophysical observation.
The Abbadia Observatory is distinguished by its decimal-graded instruments, constituting a heritage unique in France and the world.
© P.Oger
Jura, Land of Pasteur
Louis Pasteur's house in Arbois is a unique heritage site, still inhabited by the scientist's presence. Preserved in its original state, the house has remained just as Louis Pasteur knew it, immersing visitors in the scientist's living and working environment.
Classified as a Historic Monument, Louis Pasteur's house in Arbois was awarded the "Maisons des Illustres" label by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication in 2011, at the same time as the house in Dole.
Ry-Chazerat castle
Adolphe Godin de Lépinay (1821-1888), often overlooked, was the author of the plans for the Panama Canal as it was built. He was also behind numerous railway routes in France and Algeria.
He bequeathed his manor house and lands at Ry-Chazerat, located in Journet, Vienne, to the Académie des Sciences. An application for classification as a Monument Historique and a Maison des Illustres label are currently underway, to enable the site to be opened to the public and to promote the role of science in preserving biodiversity.
© Daniel Delisle