History

The Order of Academic Palms was established on October 4, 1955. Prior to this decree, the Academic Palms was merely a decoration.

The Order is conferred upon French citizens and foreigners who have made significant contributions to the advancement of intellectual, scientific, and artistic pursuits in France. A Knight must be at least 35 years of age. In order to be promoted to Officer or Commander, the candidate must spend a minimum of 5 years in the previous grade.

There may be versions that differ in size, composition, or manufacturer.

From 1866 to 1955 the Decoration of Academic Palms was also a metallic award suspended from a purple ribbon. These awards were wreaths composed of a palm branch and an olive branch, whereas the awards of the Order are wreaths composed of two palm branches. See Decoration of Academic Palms FRA135 in the Medals & Decorations of France in the First Empire, the First Restoration & Hundred Days, the Second Restoration, the July Monarchy, the Second Republic, the Second Empire, the Third Republic, and the Fourth Republic.