_Rue du Grand-Maulevrier._
The entrance court, is almost square, and surrounded on the four sides
by buildings of a regular architecture. This portion formed the ancient
college of the Jesuits. At a short distance to the north, and on a
raised portion of ground, stands a large building formerly called the
_Joyeuse seminary_, from the name of its founder, the cardinal de
Joyeuse. These two establishments have now been united. That part, named
_Joyeuse_, is exclusively reserved for the youngest children: they have
their separate play ground, which is formed of the terraces of the
garden. The courts, which are alloted to the other classes, are situated
lower than the former. The college contains about two hundred boarders
and five hundred day scholars.
The college church particularly deserves to be mentioned. Its porch is
situated in the rue Bourg-L'abbe; we remark on the right of the entrance
a statue of Charlemagne, which we recognise by the globe he holds in his
hand; on the left, is that of Saint-Louis. The erection of this church
was commenced in 1614. It was formerly intended to be attached to the
college of the Jesuits. Marie de Medicis laid the first stone of this
church, which was only finished in 1704, and dedicated on the 21st of
december of the same year. Several paintings decorate the interior,
which is grand and majestic. The public are admitted into this church
during the hours of divine service.
The municipal administration has caused a handsome marble mausoleum to
be erected to the memory of the cardinal de Joyeuse, the founder of the
seminary, in one of the lateral chapels to the left on entering.