Saint-Cyr-l'École

Département : Yvelines

Origin/meaning

Until the late 17^th century Saint-Cyr was a small hamlet on the Versailles Estate. In 1685 Madame de Maintenon, a courtier of King Louis XIV founded a school in the hamlet, thereby changing the name (Ecole=school). The symbol of the school forms the main element in the arms; a golden cross with the royal fleur-de-lis.

During the French Revolution, the school was changed into a army barracks and the name was changed in Val-Libre. In 1808 Napoléon founded a military school in the village. This school turned out to become one of the most prestigious military schools, and many French generals graduated here. The school has special shoulder patches, which are named Casoar. Two of these special patches are shown in the base of the arms. The school is now situated in Bretagne.