The college was founded in 1562 by the Cardinal d'Armagnac, a bishop of Rodez; in 1762, the Jesuits were expelled, and the college became a royal college. After the Revolution, in 1796, it became Central School. Then in 1808, it obtained the title of Imperial Lyceum (high school). The school has moved into modern quarters, but the chapel remains. The general construction is Gothic with Baroque additions; the painted decoration is Renaissance. The side chapels open directly onto the nave. It served as a military hospital during World War I.