Talk to the experts

The Palais de l'Europe is the Council of Europe's principal building and the perfect place to meet people working on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Council of Europe offers study programmes tailored to meet the needs and interests of university students, teachers, lawyers, professional associations, diplomatic delegations and ministry official.

A study programme includes a visit to the Hemicycle(*), and a lecture on the political role of the Council of Europe. It lasts approximatively two hours.

A lecture or discussion on a specific aspect or area of the Council of Europe’s work can also be offered.

Your tour will be in English, French or German, and lectures can be arranged in any one of the languages of the Council of Europe’s member States.

 (*) Until January 2024, the Hemicycle will not be open to the public due to refurbishing works. The Visitors’ Service will maintain its activity during that time.


 Contact the Visitors’ Service of the Council of Europe to find out more >

During plenary part-sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly, groups of visitors have the opportunity to follow a debate from the visitors’ gallery in the Assembly Chamber. The dates of the four annual part-sessions are posted on the Assembly’s website.

 Terms and conditions


Contact the Visitors’ Service of the Council of Europe to book your study programme.

Groups must comprise at least 15 persons (booking by telephone or e-mail).

The Palais de l’Europe is open to visitors from Monday to Friday. It is closed at weekends and on French national holidays.
The study programmes are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.