The purpose of the Remarkable Heritage Sites designation is to protect and showcase the architectural, urban and landscape heritage of our territories. Remarkable heritage sites are easements of public utility that are instituted by a public authority for the public interest. Remarkable heritage sites replace the old protection systems: protected areas, areas for the protection of architectural, urban and landscape heritage (ZPPAUP) and areas for the enhancement of architecture and heritage (AVAP). More than 800 outstanding heritage sites were created on July 8, 2016.
Synopsis
What is a Remarkable Heritage Site?
What is the classification procedure for Outstanding Heritage Sites?
What are the effects of classifying as Remarkable Heritage Sites?
The interactive map of the Atlas of Heritage
What is a Remarkable Heritage Site?
Notable heritage sites are: towns, villages or neighbourhoods whose conservation, restoration, rehabilitation or development is of historical, architectural, archaeological, artistic or landscape interest.”
The rural spaces and landscapes that form with these towns, villages or neighbourhoods a coherent whole or which are likely to contribute to their conservation or development may be classified under the same heading. There are more than 860 remarkable heritage sites that concern urban centres (Marseille, Bordeaux), neighbourhoods (Angoulême, Guérande) or villages (Saint-Benoît-du-Sault, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher).
What is the process for classifying “Remarkable Heritage Sites”?
The ranking of outstanding heritage sites is the the result of a partnership between local and regional authorities and State departments. Consultation with the public at the public inquiry is also a fundamental part of creating a remarkable heritage site.
Issues specific to each remarkable heritage site are transcribed into a plan which can take two forms: protection and development plan (urban planning document) or architecture and heritage development plan (public utility easement)
The elaboration of these plans requires the consideration of all the stakes of the old centers: the degradation of the old habitat, the vacancy of housing, the installation of shops on the outskirts and desertification. These plans are part of a territory project. They also provide a clear framework for project developers and residents.
Available for consultation in town hall or on the website of the municipality, they contain the written and graphic rules that apply to buildings and buildings located within the perimeter of the remarkable heritage site.
What are the effects of classifying as “notable heritage sites”?
- Obligation to take into account in the definition of planning documents;
- Expertise of the architect of the Buildings of France for the work on the buildings located within the perimeter of a remarkable heritage site;
- Possibility of tax benefits and assistance for work.
Local authorities are able to use the “Remarkable Heritage Site” logo on communications and signage materials.
The interactive map of the Atlas of Heritage
The Atlas is a cartographic access (by location) to cultural and heritage information (ethnographic, archaeological, architectural, urban, landscape). It allows to know, visualize, edit, contractualize and download geographical data on a territory, including the perimeter of protection of a Historic Monument.
Legal and regulatory framework
Law no. 2016-925 of 7 July 2016 on freedom of creation, architecture and heritage
