College Turenne

The college was built in 1883-1884 as a counterpart to the Jesuit college. Gustave Deloye, sculptor born in Sedan, created the bas-reliefs "Turenne dormant sur l'affût d'un canon" and "le travail et la science". The first is based on an anecdot:. When he was about ten years old, Turenne, tired of teasing about his ailing body and wanting to prove that he was fit for a career as a soldier, decided to spend a winter night on the fortress walls of Sedan. He was found sleeping on the gun mount.

The college has approximately 390 students (2022).

Marshal Turenne was born in 1611 within the high walls of the fortress of Sedan, which was then officially independent from France. He is undoubtedly Sedan's most famous son.

During his life he was considered a true savior of France as he won decisive battles. In the centuries that followed, he continues to be honored as one of the greatest French warriors. Indeed, he built a remarkable military career under Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

In 1648 he leads a campaign in Bavaria, where he is victorious. Then the Peace of Westphalia is signed, ending the Thirty Years' War. His strategic talents, his unparalleled war practice - he did not hesitate to attack in the middle of winter to surprise his opponents - and his idea of exploring the terrain in advance, make Turenne a champion of the war of movement. Turenne was above all a soldier, but also a statesman. He was Louis XIV's privileged advisor on all matters of defense and certain foreign policy decisions.

Willem Vandenameele