Parks and gardens
As buildings, parks and gardens of historical, artistic or architectural interest may be protected under the Heritage Code (Book VI, Titles I and II).
Two levels of protection exist: classification or registration, with classification being the highest level of protection.
The department in charge of the historic gardens is the regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), whose heritage services are able to direct to the competent professionals and experts, in particular for the preparation of restoration projects and management plans.
These registration or classification measures are accompanied by procedures for authorizing work and specific rules on project management and works. Subject to certain reservations, they are eligible for State subsidies and/or tax aid for private owners.
Parks and gardens can also be an important component of a remarkable landscape and claim protection as sites (under Ministry of Ecological Transition).
The training department is then the regional directorate of Environment, Development and Housing (DREAL). Again, there are two levels of protection: classification or registration.
Gardens may fall within the scope of other protection measures because of their own characteristics: in local planning plans (PLU), as landscape elements, within a Remarkable Heritage Site (RPD).
Outstanding Garden Label
The Remarkable Garden label is awarded by the Ministry of Culture for a renewable period of 5 years. It gives rise to various advantages, including road and highway signs, in accordance with the same process as buildings protected as historic monuments.
Conference proceedings
The Ministry of Culture organizes seminars and study days as part of the Rendez-vous aux jardins and national commemorations to celebrate the birthdays of garden designers.
Adopt a garden
The operation Adopt a garden, launched in 1996 by the Ministry for Culture, in partnership with the Ministries for National Education, the Environment and Agriculture, is intended to have a garden adopted by pupils in a primary school class, a college, or an agricultural educational institution.
This operation, which takes place throughout the school year, is based on a set of visits programmed by the teacher.
