Who we are
Human Rights... Democracy... Rule of LawThe Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg (France), now covers virtually the entire European continent, with its 47 member countries. Founded on 5 May 1949 by 10 countries, the Council of Europe seeks to develop throughout Europe common and democratic principles based on the European Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals.
To find out more: Key dates | Founding fathers | Our guests | Symbols
Welcome to the Council of Europe
The tour will give you an
insight into the work of members of parliament, diplomats,
experts and other representatives from members states who come
to the Palais de l’Europe to work together and to find common
solutions to today’s major problems.
What you will see there
- The entrance hall of the Palais de l’Europe with its imposing
staircase designed by French architect Henry Bernard in 1977 “to
affirm by its solid external form that unity is strength …
necessary for the free confrontation of ideas”.
- At the heart of the building is the Assembly Chamber, the
democratic voice of Europe and its countries and regions. It is
here that politicians from all over Europe meet in the
Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional
Authorities.
Types of visit available
The Council of Europe Visitors’ Service organises guided tours
and study programmes adapted to each group. There are two types
of visit offered:
Guided tours
Tours are designed mainly for visitors wanting more general
information on the Council of Europe:
- introduction to the Council of Europe;
- an explanatory video;
- a visit to the Chamber of the Parliamentary Assembly;
- discussion on the role of the Council of Europe;
- visits conducted in English/ French/ German;
- duration: approximately 1 hour.
Guided tours are suspended during Parliamentary Assembly plenary
sessions, but groups of visitors have the chance to follow
debates in the Assembly Chamber. (Dates of the 4 sessions are
available on the Parliamentary
Assembly website)
Study programmes
Tours are tailored to the needs and interests of the groups
(teachers, lawyers, university students, etc.):
- visit to the Chamber of the Parliamentary Assembly;
- lecture on the political role of the Council ofEurope;
- a lecture focusing on specific areas of the Council of
Europe’s work can also be offered, upon request;
- lectures can be given in any one of the languages of the
member states;
- duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
What to do?
All visits must be booked in advance.Guided tours and study
programmes are organised for groups of at least 15 people.
Visits are free of charge
The Palais de l’Europe is open to visitors Monday to Friday,
except on French national holidays. Visitors must bring some
form of identification with them for security reasons.
Wheelchair access is available.
To book your visit and for more information, please contact
the Visitors’ Service:
Visitors’ Service
Directorate of Communication
Council of Europe, F-67075 STRASBOURG Cedex
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 20 29
Fax: +33 (0)3 88 41 27 54
E-mail: visites@coe.int