Blois, France – Students at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées Centre Val de Loire (INSA Centre Val de Loire) are celebrating the opening of their new, state-of-the-art gymnasium near the Blois-Chambord train station. The facility, officially named after Alice Milliat – a pioneer in women’s sports – began hosting classes on March 12, 2026, marking a significant upgrade to the athletic resources available to the engineering school’s students.
For years, INSA students have had to travel to the Saint-Georges sports complex for physical education classes. Now, with a dedicated facility on campus, students will benefit from improved accessibility and a more focused training environment. The new gymnasium underscores the school’s commitment to integrating physical activity into the curriculum, recognizing sport as an integral part of a well-rounded engineering education.
A Legacy Honored in Modern Facilities
The gymnasium’s namesake, Alice Milliat, is a fitting tribute. Milliat was a trailblazer who founded the Women’s World Games in the early 20th century, advocating for greater access to sports for women. Choosing her name, as suggested by the students themselves, reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the values of athletic achievement.
The 1,700 square meter complex isn’t just a gymnasium. it’s a multi-sport space designed to accommodate a variety of activities. Features include a homologated multi-sports area suitable for basketball, volleyball, handball, and badminton, along with changing rooms and a meeting room. Dominique Charles, the school’s sports director, expressed his enthusiasm, noting the improved conditions for teaching. “I’m teaching badminton without a down jacket for the first time in twelve years!” he remarked, highlighting the superior insulation and lighting compared to the previous location.
More Than Just a Gym: Community Impact and Sustainable Design
The Alice Milliat Gymnasium represents a broader investment in the Blois community. The project, a collaboration between Agglopolys and INSA Centre Val de Loire, is part of a larger revitalization effort for the Gare (train station) district. The new facility is expected to free up capacity at municipal sports facilities, benefiting local sports clubs and associations. The agreement between Agglopolys and INSA ensures the gymnasium will be available to students for the next nine years.
Beyond its functional benefits, the gymnasium also showcases a commitment to sustainability. The building incorporates several environmentally friendly features, including integrated rainwater management, biosourced materials, photovoltaic panels, and recycled copper cladding. The construction project itself prioritized social responsibility, providing over 2,200 hours of professional insertion opportunities.
The project’s location, adjacent to the station’s footbridge, is strategically chosen to enhance the area’s appeal and accessibility. The design aims to seamlessly integrate the new structure with the existing urban landscape, creating a vibrant hub for both students and the wider community.
For INSA students, the gymnasium represents a significant improvement in their training environment. With dedicated space and modern amenities, they can now fully integrate physical activity into their demanding academic schedules. The facility is expected to enhance their overall well-being and contribute to their success as future engineers and landscape architects. Sport is a mandatory component of the INSA curriculum, with students dedicating approximately two hours per week to physical activity.
The opening of the Alice Milliat Gymnasium marks a new chapter for sports at INSA Centre Val de Loire, and a positive step forward for the Blois community. The facility stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, sustainable design, and a commitment to honoring those who paved the way for greater opportunities in sports.
The next scheduled sporting event at the Alice Milliat Gymnasium will be a volleyball tournament between INSA student teams on March 26, 2026. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend and experience the new facility firsthand.
