The France. Patrimoines et Territoires d’exception association launches a call for an ambitious national heritage policy

Heritage, of unparalleled richness, stands as a central pillar of our collective identity. From preserved natural landscapes to the architectural diversity of our old centers, through unique artisanal and gastronomic know-how, it constitutes an essential lever of economic, social and tourist development for our territories.

However, this wealth is now under pressure in the face of contemporary challenges, including climate change, urban sprawl and a fragmented approach to heritage policies. It is in this context that the Association France. Patrimoines et Territoires d'exception is launching a strong appeal through a joint manifesto, aimed at ambitiously rethinking the national heritage policy.

An unprecedented mobilization for a change of direction

The Association France. Patrimoines et Territoires d'exception, which brings together seven major networks of heritage communities - Federation of Regional Natural Parks of France, The Most Beautiful Villages of France®, The Most Beautiful Detours of France, Remarkable Sites & Cities of France, Small Towns of Character® of France, Network of Great Sites of France, and Towns and Crafts - is today calling for an ambitious overhaul of the national heritage policy. This joint manifesto, presented to public authorities, proposes a broad and integrated vision, combining built heritage, landscapes, intangible know-how and biodiversity.

A manifesto for living heritage at the heart of contemporary uses

Far from being limited to historical monuments, this manifesto advocates for a global vision of heritage as a living common good, in constant evolution. It invites France to ratify the Faro Convention of the Council of Europe, thus recognising the social value of heritage for society. Among the key proposals: a national plan for the safeguarding of intangible assets in rural areas, the revision of housing support mechanisms in old town centres, as well as a strengthening of the means of supporting communities in their heritage projects.

A cross-cutting public policy serving the territories

Heritage can no longer be approached in a compartmentalized manner. It is time to integrate its tangible, intangible and landscape dimensions into major national territorial revitalization programs such as Action Cœur de Ville, or into regulatory and planning documents such as Sites Patrimoniaux Remarquables (SPR). The manifesto also calls for simplifying access for small communities to European funding for the implementation of their projects, and for strengthening territorial engineering capacities.