The Banque des Territoires launches the “Territories of History(s)” program

With this program, the Banque des Territoires aims to support, by 2030, the development of around fifty tourism and cultural projects based on the promotion of heritage sites, thus contributing to strengthening the attractiveness of the territories and social cohesion.

These projects will mobilize a total of 1 billion euros[1] to which the Banque des Territoires will contribute with, on the one hand, a mobilization of equity of 250 M€ alongside private investors, and on the other hand, the establishment of a new Heritage Loan, authorized by the Minister of the Economy and Finance, on resources from the Livret A.

Five emblematic sites, among the forty already supported by the Banque des Territoires, were presented, including the rehabilitation of two pavilions on Place Ducale in Charleville Mézières, listed as historic monuments.

Heritage as a driving force for social cohesion and territorial development

With more than 45.000 buildings classified or listed as historic monuments[2] and more than 1000 remarkable heritage sites[3], France has an exceptional heritage, present throughout the country, which contributes to the identity of the regions and the pride of the inhabitants.

However, the development of this heritage remains uneven, with tourist flows concentrated on a few major sites that enjoy strong reputations. By investing in structural projects, Banque des Territoires aims to:

• participate in the preservation of this heritage,
• make it an engine of economic development,
• create inclusive places that foster social connections.

Territories of History(s), an accelerator for the promotion of French heritage

Recognized for its expertise in tourism financing and designated as a France 2030 operator for Culture and Heritage, Banque des Territoires is a major player in the exploitation of remarkable heritage sites.

The Territoires d'Histoire(s) program is a continuation of this commitment, by extending the actions carried out within the framework of the Reinventing Heritage engineering program, launched jointly in 2019 with the State, Atout France and the ANCT.

With its recognized expertise and conviction in the potential of monumental heritage and French know-how, the Banque des Territoires is today launching Territoires d'Histoire(s), an ambitious program aimed at accelerating the promotion of tourism and cultural projects linked to heritage.

By initiating Territoires d'Histoire(s), the Banque des Territoires aims to encourage the emergence of innovative, sustainable economic models adapted to the diversity of territories by:

• mobilizing its financing capacities (equity, long-term loans) and engineering, as leverage on other sources of financing;
• promoting networking and collaboration between public and private stakeholders (financiers, project leaders, operators, local authorities and heritage experts) to ensure the viability of projects,
• participating in the removal of administrative and financial obstacles.

For Olivier Sichel, Director General of Caisse des Dépôts: "With 'Territoires d'Histoire(s)', we are making heritage a driving force for local transformation. Preserving, restoring, and promoting these places increases their attractiveness, supports the economy, creates jobs, strengthens social ties, and gives residents and visitors alike the desire to live and return to these areas."

For Antoine Saintoyant, director of the Banque des Territoires: "Our ambition is to help move from an idea to a concrete project and to make these historic sites living places. We are mobilizing our engineering expertise and our knowledge of public-private partnerships, as well as our ability to bring together the necessary financial resources to ensure that sites, sometimes forgotten, regain economic and cultural utility, for the benefit of all."

A continuum of support solutions and enhanced resources to meet strong ambitions

Banque des Territoires is committed to making a significant contribution to the financing of these projects, raising €1 billion with co-investing partners to support heritage:

• an equity investment target of €250 million by 2030, pari passu with private, public or mixed economy players.
• the launch of the Heritage Loan: a long-term loan, up to 25 years, dedicated to the rehabilitation of projects classified as Historic Monuments or Remarkable Heritage Sites, open to the public (ERP classified sites). This loan, which can be used by private actors and is available from the 37 regional representations of the Banque des Territoires, is offered at a rate of 3% (Livret A rate + 1,3%);
• engineering solutions to promote the emergence of projects, both in-house and through the Reinventing Heritage program, in partnership with the State, Atout France and the ANCT.

For Stéphane Bern, sponsor of the Program: “I am proud to be the patron of Territoires d'Histoire(s). This program, which is very important to me, is a real opportunity for France and its heritage. The commitment of the Banque des Territoires is a guarantee of success because it knows how to bring together public and private stakeholders to give a second life to heritage sites which, once restored, will strengthen our tourist attractions. The objectives are ambitious, but together we will achieve this. I am pleased to present five videos of emblematic projects already supported by the Banque des Territoires, which I hope will inspire the entire sector.”

5 emblematic rehabilitation projects financed by the Banque des Territoires among nearly 40 sites already financed:

Charleville-Mézières – Place Ducale (Grand Est)

Financing Banque des Territoires: €3,5 million in equity and €5,2 million in loans

Rehabilitation of two derelict pavilions (Cour de la Criée and former Tourist Office), belonging to the city and classified as historic monuments, to create a boutique hotel, a restaurant, a bar and seminar rooms, operated by the operator Encore Mieux.

This rehabilitation project will strengthen the town's hotel offering, its commercial and tourist attractiveness while promoting a remarkable heritage, and thus reinforce the image of Charleville-Mézières as a leading tourist and craft destination.

For Boris Ravignon, Mayor of Charleville-Mézières and President of the Ardenne Métropole urban community: "Welcoming the launch of the Territoires d'Histoire(s) program in Charleville-Mézières is a source of great pride. Place Ducale perfectly illustrates how living heritage can become a lever for attractiveness and economic development. With the support of the State and the Banque des Territoires, we want to demonstrate that the history and identity of a city are not only a legacy to be preserved, but also an asset for building its future."

The Berwick and Colaud barracks in Briançon (PACA)

Financing Banque des Territoires: €13,5 million in equity and €3,4 million in loans

Formerly dedicated to territorial defense, these two buildings are now at the heart of a reconversion project into 3 and 4-star hotels and hotel residences, designed to welcome tourists all year round. These projects contribute to the revitalization of Briançon city center and the creation of sustainable jobs, in a rich tourism context with the hosting of the Winter Olympic Games in 2030. Banque des Territoires was supported by Icade Promotion for the realization of this project which will open in October 2025 for the Colaud barracks and during 2026 for the Berwick barracks.

Hangar Y in Meudon (Ile de France)

Financing Banque des Territoires: €6,8 million in equity

The world's first airship hangar, built at the end of the 2022th century, Hangar Y, thanks to a collaboration between the French government, the city of Meudon, private stakeholders, and committed partners such as the Banque des Territoires, hosts exhibitions, cultural events, immersive workshops, landscaped green spaces, and a restaurant. The site opened in XNUMX, thanks to the support of the Banque des Territoires, along with ArtNova.

The General Hospice of Douai (Hauts-de-France)

Financing Banque des Territoires: €2,8 million in equity

Listed since 1946 in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments, located in the city center of Douai, the former Hospice Général will be rehabilitated into a 4-star hotel complex. A real driving force in terms of image and economic, touristic, and cultural development for Douai. Located in the "Action Cœur de Ville" area, the project has notably benefited from the urban renewal loan - Action Cœur de Ville (PRUACV). It will open in the third quarter of 2026.

The Hôtel Dieu of Rennes (Brittany)

Financing Banque des Territoires: €9,4 million in equity

Built in 1858, the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital is steeped in personal history for many Rennes residents. It will be transformed, thanks in particular to the investment of the Banque des Territoires, into a place of life and entertainment. The rehabilitation of the historic buildings in the heart of the Hôtel-Dieu block plans to house a coworking space, a hostel, shops, and restaurants. The Chapel will be converted into a performance and events venue. The site will open at the end of 2026 thanks to the support of the Banque des Territoires and the Vicartem and You Famille Hôtelière groups.

Banque des Territoires, a key player in tourism and heritage promotion:

Banque des Territoires has an integrated offering across the entire metropolitan and overseas territories by deploying engineering, long-term loans using Livret A resources as well as mobilizing its own funds for investment.

• Nearly €1,3 billion invested in 240 tourism projects and €300 million in outstanding loans in 115 tourism projects
• Including €180 million financed by the Banque des Territoires in 37 heritage projects

[1] Estimated amount including the leverage effect on private and public actors

[2] Source Ministry of Culture

[3] Source Ministry of Culture