© Franck Faipot

The Fondation du patrimoine in a nutshell

We are the leading charity organisation for French heritage. Whether they are private, public, or association-based, we assist heritage owners in sustainably safeguarding France’s beauty.

Who are we?

We provide individualised support for each project, identifying sources of funding, employment opportunities, educational purposes, and social interactions. Donations, grants from the French national lottery, sponsorship, tax incentives, and subsidies from local and regional governments, complete the Fondation du patrimoine’s action.

Our objectives

Safeguard French heritage – Develop local economy – Create employment

Provide access to culture for all – Preserve our heritage for future generations

Our mission

Since our creation in 1996, our mission is to assist in the preservation of modest heritage buildings, and minor historical and natural sites. We raise funds for each project, covering both private and public buildings, landmarks and industrial sites, natural sites, and landscape biodiversity.

Read more (in French)

Our action

France is a country with a rich and varied heritage, which can suffer degradation from time, weather, and human action. Your generosity can make a difference in saving it for future generations. Sustainable local development, access to culture for all, and employment are priorities that guide our actions.

Read more (in French)

Our results

We currently support nearly 3,000 projects annually and manage our fundraising efforts through our website. Our Portail du patrimoine provides project owners access to comprehensive operational information. When Notre-Dame was destroyed by fire, we collected gifts from generous donors world-wide.

Read more (in French)

Donate from outside France

You can make your donation online by credit card, bank transfer or Paypal, directly on this website.

If you reside in Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, or Switzerland, you can benefit from the services of the Transnational Giving Europe (TGE) platform. This international charity organisation allows you to receive tax receipts for a refund in your country for your donations to the Fondation du patrimoine. If you reside in the UK and wish to benefit from Gift Aid and a tax refund, please contact the Charities Aid Foundation at tge@cafonline.org with the details of your request. If you wish to make a bequest to the Fondation du patrimoine, please contact Ann-Sophie de Jotemps, our legal counsel, via info@fondation-patrimoine.org.

With TGE, you may choose a project you wish to endow

Religious Heritage Programme

Save our village churches! Landmarks in our countryside and symbols of European history, our 50,000 religious buildings are slowly deteriorating, and an estimated 5,000 could simply disappear in the near future. We need your help to save them from destruction!

Read more (in French)

© © Marie Eugene Heraud

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Programme

The double threat of climate change and decline of biodiversity is making the public but also the regional and national governments aware of the urgency for action to preserve and protect natural sites. Our originality is a double action, improving our built as well as the natural environment.

Read more (in French)

Alsace, Mount Saint-Odile: participate in restoration of the two chapels

Mount Sainte-Odile, dedicated to Alsace’s patroness, was originally built as Hohenburg castle before being transformed into an abbey. After their restoration, its two chapels will host events such as exhibitions, and allow the public to rediscover their exceptional mosaic ceilings.

Read more (in French)

© Ville de Sarlat

Writer La Boétie’s house, Sarlat, Dordogne

The medieval town of Sarlat, Dordogne, saw the birth of Étienne de La Boétie, a famous writer, philosopher, magistrate, poet, and political theorist. His Renaissance home, built in 1520-1525, needs a global restoration to stop further deterioration.

Read more (in French)

Chamonix: Chalet Vallot, the Mont-Blanc observatory

Joseph Vallot, a pioneer in scientific research of the Chamonix Valley and mountaineer, leagued his observatory of the Mont Blanc to the State. Today, it is still home to the CREA Mont-Blanc, internationally recognised for its participatory work on high altitude ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change. The project covers restoration of the chalet and its transformation to receive the public.

Read more (in French)

© Abbaye de Cîteaux

Cîteaux Abbey, Burgundy

One of the three buildings left after the French Revolution, the Definitoire, is at imminent risk as the roof and walls are greatly damaged. The restoration project starts with the roof and walls, and includes the future accommodation of the European Centre for the Radiation of Cistercian Culture.

Read more (in French)

© Mairie de Bernwiller

JJ Henner’ House, Alsace: a painters’ inspiration

Jean-Jacques Henner, a renowned 19th Century painter, constructed his house in Bernwiller, his native village. Owned by the municipality, the building is in a perilous state. It requires a major restoration to continue hosting the different local social and cultural association.

Read more (in French)

© Fondation du patrimoine / MyPhotoAgency - Jean-Marc Pommé

Lorin stained glass atelier, Chartres

Near the cathedral, you may find the Ateliers Lorin, whose stained-glass windows are internationally renowned. The studios’ buildings, old and rather dilapidated, need restoration for the activity to continue. The project also includes the development of a museum, and the repair of the ovens and other equipment on site.

Read more (in French)

© Salle Renaissance

Pierre Loti: the famous writer’s house in Rochefort

Pierre Loti, one of the most famous French travellers and authors, transformed his family home to the image of his life: full of historical treasures and artistic surprises. The restoration of the building, closed since 2012 for peril, is in its final stretch thanks to the ongoing generosity of the public.

Read more (in French)

© Eglise du Sacré-Cœur de Lourdes © Fondation du Patrimoine

Lourdes: the iconic Sacré-Cœur Church

Built to host the many pilgrims after Bernadette’s apparitions, the church is one of Lourdes’ most visited sites. The city council is facing the challenge of the restoration of its roofs, wooden framework, and tower as the church has become too dangerous to host services.

Read more (in French)

© Benoît Sadry

Oradour-sur-Glane: the WW2 martyr village

After the massacre of its population, the village was left as it was found as a symbol of the horrors of war. It has been slowly eroding and deteriorating over time. As a major restoration of the 25 acres of the village ruins is necessary, we need you to help to safeguard the site, as well as the mobile items such as car wrecks, smaller items in the shops etc.

Read more (in French)

© YMCA Paris

YMCA: 14Trévise, a historical site in Paris

Built in 1893 by YMCA Paris, its architecture is a rare and original example of combining social, educational and sports accommodation. Situated in the center of the city, it will continue to host international exchanges for youth from abroad and from France, even during the time of restoration.

Read more (in French)

© Didier Saulnier

Versailles: the Royal Chapel

The chapel, one of Versailles’ major points of interest, has not undergone any transformation since Louis XIV. But its sacristy badly needs repair, and the restoration of the wooden floors and panelling is urgent. The restoration project includes accessibility for the public and a permanent exhibition of the chapel’s treasure.

Read more (in French)

Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandy: WW2 Whale landing gangways

Only recently discovered and brought back to Omaha Beach, the Whale floating gangways are in an advanced stage of corrosion and urgently need repair. Part of the Mulberry A floating harbour, they were made in the south of England upon decision by Winston Churchill and used during the invasion in June 1944.

Read more (in French)

© © Franck Faipot

Fondation du patrimoine

Donate to the Fondation du patrimoine, and help us save our smaller French cultural, historical, and natural sites for future generations. Your aid allows our volunteers to assist project owners, to preserve and restore the beauty of our common heritage.
Donate to the Foundation

Religious Heritage Programme

Save our village churches! Landmarks in our countryside and symbols of European history, our 50,000 religious buildings are slowly deteriorating, and an estimated 5,000 could simply disappear in the near future. We need your help to save them from destruction!

Read more (in French)

© © Marie Eugene Heraud

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Programme

The double threat of climate change and decline of biodiversity is making the public but also the regional and national governments aware of the urgency for action to preserve and protect natural sites. Our originality is a double action, improving our built as well as the natural environment.

Read more (in French)

Alsace, Mount Saint-Odile: participate in restoration of the two chapels

Mount Sainte-Odile, dedicated to Alsace’s patroness, was originally built as Hohenburg castle before being transformed into an abbey. After their restoration, its two chapels will host events such as exhibitions, and allow the public to rediscover their exceptional mosaic ceilings.

Read more (in French)

© Ville de Sarlat

Writer La Boétie’s house, Sarlat, Dordogne

The medieval town of Sarlat, Dordogne, saw the birth of Étienne de La Boétie, a famous writer, philosopher, magistrate, poet, and political theorist. His Renaissance home, built in 1520-1525, needs a global restoration to stop further deterioration.

Read more (in French)

Chamonix: Chalet Vallot, the Mont-Blanc observatory

Joseph Vallot, a pioneer in scientific research of the Chamonix Valley and mountaineer, leagued his observatory of the Mont Blanc to the State. Today, it is still home to the CREA Mont-Blanc, internationally recognised for its participatory work on high altitude ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change. The project covers restoration of the chalet and its transformation to receive the public.

Read more (in French)

© Abbaye de Cîteaux

Cîteaux Abbey, Burgundy

One of the three buildings left after the French Revolution, the Definitoire, is at imminent risk as the roof and walls are greatly damaged. The restoration project starts with the roof and walls, and includes the future accommodation of the European Centre for the Radiation of Cistercian Culture.

Read more (in French)

© Mairie de Bernwiller

JJ Henner’ House, Alsace: a painters’ inspiration

Jean-Jacques Henner, a renowned 19th Century painter, constructed his house in Bernwiller, his native village. Owned by the municipality, the building is in a perilous state. It requires a major restoration to continue hosting the different local social and cultural association.

Read more (in French)

© Fondation du patrimoine / MyPhotoAgency - Jean-Marc Pommé

Lorin stained glass atelier, Chartres

Near the cathedral, you may find the Ateliers Lorin, whose stained-glass windows are internationally renowned. The studios’ buildings, old and rather dilapidated, need restoration for the activity to continue. The project also includes the development of a museum, and the repair of the ovens and other equipment on site.

Read more (in French)

© Salle Renaissance

Pierre Loti: the famous writer’s house in Rochefort

Pierre Loti, one of the most famous French travellers and authors, transformed his family home to the image of his life: full of historical treasures and artistic surprises. The restoration of the building, closed since 2012 for peril, is in its final stretch thanks to the ongoing generosity of the public.

Read more (in French)

© Eglise du Sacré-Cœur de Lourdes © Fondation du Patrimoine

Lourdes: the iconic Sacré-Cœur Church

Built to host the many pilgrims after Bernadette’s apparitions, the church is one of Lourdes’ most visited sites. The city council is facing the challenge of the restoration of its roofs, wooden framework, and tower as the church has become too dangerous to host services.

Read more (in French)

© Benoît Sadry

Oradour-sur-Glane: the WW2 martyr village

After the massacre of its population, the village was left as it was found as a symbol of the horrors of war. It has been slowly eroding and deteriorating over time. As a major restoration of the 25 acres of the village ruins is necessary, we need you to help to safeguard the site, as well as the mobile items such as car wrecks, smaller items in the shops etc.

Read more (in French)

© YMCA Paris

YMCA: 14Trévise, a historical site in Paris

Built in 1893 by YMCA Paris, its architecture is a rare and original example of combining social, educational and sports accommodation. Situated in the center of the city, it will continue to host international exchanges for youth from abroad and from France, even during the time of restoration.

Read more (in French)

© Didier Saulnier

Versailles: the Royal Chapel

The chapel, one of Versailles’ major points of interest, has not undergone any transformation since Louis XIV. But its sacristy badly needs repair, and the restoration of the wooden floors and panelling is urgent. The restoration project includes accessibility for the public and a permanent exhibition of the chapel’s treasure.

Read more (in French)

Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandy: WW2 Whale landing gangways

Only recently discovered and brought back to Omaha Beach, the Whale floating gangways are in an advanced stage of corrosion and urgently need repair. Part of the Mulberry A floating harbour, they were made in the south of England upon decision by Winston Churchill and used during the invasion in June 1944.

Read more (in French)

© © Franck Faipot

Fondation du patrimoine

Donate to the Fondation du patrimoine, and help us save our smaller French cultural, historical, and natural sites for future generations. Your aid allows our volunteers to assist project owners, to preserve and restore the beauty of our common heritage.
Donate to the Foundation

Religious Heritage Programme

Save our village churches! Landmarks in our countryside and symbols of European history, our 50,000 religious buildings are slowly deteriorating, and an estimated 5,000 could simply disappear in the near future. We need your help to save them from destruction!

Read more (in French)

© © Marie Eugene Heraud

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Programme

The double threat of climate change and decline of biodiversity is making the public but also the regional and national governments aware of the urgency for action to preserve and protect natural sites. Our originality is a double action, improving our built as well as the natural environment.

Read more (in French)

Alsace, Mount Saint-Odile: participate in restoration of the two chapels

Mount Sainte-Odile, dedicated to Alsace’s patroness, was originally built as Hohenburg castle before being transformed into an abbey. After their restoration, its two chapels will host events such as exhibitions, and allow the public to rediscover their exceptional mosaic ceilings.

Read more (in French)

© Ville de Sarlat

Writer La Boétie’s house, Sarlat, Dordogne

The medieval town of Sarlat, Dordogne, saw the birth of Étienne de La Boétie, a famous writer, philosopher, magistrate, poet, and political theorist. His Renaissance home, built in 1520-1525, needs a global restoration to stop further deterioration.

Read more (in French)

Chamonix: Chalet Vallot, the Mont-Blanc observatory

Joseph Vallot, a pioneer in scientific research of the Chamonix Valley and mountaineer, leagued his observatory of the Mont Blanc to the State. Today, it is still home to the CREA Mont-Blanc, internationally recognised for its participatory work on high altitude ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change. The project covers restoration of the chalet and its transformation to receive the public.

Read more (in French)

© Abbaye de Cîteaux

Cîteaux Abbey, Burgundy

One of the three buildings left after the French Revolution, the Definitoire, is at imminent risk as the roof and walls are greatly damaged. The restoration project starts with the roof and walls, and includes the future accommodation of the European Centre for the Radiation of Cistercian Culture.

Read more (in French)

© Mairie de Bernwiller

JJ Henner’ House, Alsace: a painters’ inspiration

Jean-Jacques Henner, a renowned 19th Century painter, constructed his house in Bernwiller, his native village. Owned by the municipality, the building is in a perilous state. It requires a major restoration to continue hosting the different local social and cultural association.

Read more (in French)

© Fondation du patrimoine / MyPhotoAgency - Jean-Marc Pommé

Lorin stained glass atelier, Chartres

Near the cathedral, you may find the Ateliers Lorin, whose stained-glass windows are internationally renowned. The studios’ buildings, old and rather dilapidated, need restoration for the activity to continue. The project also includes the development of a museum, and the repair of the ovens and other equipment on site.

Read more (in French)

© Salle Renaissance

Pierre Loti: the famous writer’s house in Rochefort

Pierre Loti, one of the most famous French travellers and authors, transformed his family home to the image of his life: full of historical treasures and artistic surprises. The restoration of the building, closed since 2012 for peril, is in its final stretch thanks to the ongoing generosity of the public.

Read more (in French)

© Eglise du Sacré-Cœur de Lourdes © Fondation du Patrimoine

Lourdes: the iconic Sacré-Cœur Church

Built to host the many pilgrims after Bernadette’s apparitions, the church is one of Lourdes’ most visited sites. The city council is facing the challenge of the restoration of its roofs, wooden framework, and tower as the church has become too dangerous to host services.

Read more (in French)

© Benoît Sadry

Oradour-sur-Glane: the WW2 martyr village

After the massacre of its population, the village was left as it was found as a symbol of the horrors of war. It has been slowly eroding and deteriorating over time. As a major restoration of the 25 acres of the village ruins is necessary, we need you to help to safeguard the site, as well as the mobile items such as car wrecks, smaller items in the shops etc.

Read more (in French)

© YMCA Paris

YMCA: 14Trévise, a historical site in Paris

Built in 1893 by YMCA Paris, its architecture is a rare and original example of combining social, educational and sports accommodation. Situated in the center of the city, it will continue to host international exchanges for youth from abroad and from France, even during the time of restoration.

Read more (in French)

© Didier Saulnier

Versailles: the Royal Chapel

The chapel, one of Versailles’ major points of interest, has not undergone any transformation since Louis XIV. But its sacristy badly needs repair, and the restoration of the wooden floors and panelling is urgent. The restoration project includes accessibility for the public and a permanent exhibition of the chapel’s treasure.

Read more (in French)

Donate now for French heritage!

Time, weather, and urban and industrial developments are threatening our smaller French cultural, historical and natural sites. Help us save this national heritage for future generations and donate, so that our nearly one thousand volunteers may assist project owners to preserve and restore their sites.

Thank you for your generosity…

Donate online via TGE

Donate in France

If you are a French resident, you can benefit from a tax refund of 66% or more on your donations to the Fondation du patrimoine. For example, giving €100 will cost you only €34 after the tax refund. You can donate:

Online, through our secured website Fondation du patrimoine (credit card, cheque, bank transfer or PayPal);
By sending a short text message to 92892, please specify DON5 to donate €5, DON10 for €10, DON15 for €15, or DON20 for €20.

Also, if you are a French resident, expatriate, or foreign resident and if you pay the IFI (impôt sur la fortune immobilière), you can deduct 75% of your donations to the Fondation du patrimoine from your IFI tax, up to a limit of €50,000 net (this limit is reached if the donations amount to €66,666). For example, giving €1000 will cost you only €250 after the tax refund.

Donate now for French heritage!

If you reside in France, you can claim a tax refund.

Thank you for your generosity…

Donate online in France

© Fondation du patrimoine

Our tools, awards, and programmes

The label ‘Fondation du patrimoine’
The Impact Fund (for high local impact projects)
Religious Heritage Programme
Romanesque Art Heritage Programme
Sesame Awards (diversification of use of religious buildings)
Animal Agrobiodiversity Awards
The Public Mobilization Awards
The Reconstruction of Notre-Dame
The National Lottery for Heritage Programme
Heritage for Local Tourism Programme
Heritage and Employment Programme
Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Programme

> Read more about our tools, awards, and programmes (in French)

Our organisation and governance

The Fondation du patrimoine is organised into 21 regional and 100 departmental delegations. We rely on an important network of nearly 1,000 volunteers who are the vital force of the foundation and who drive its actions. With the support of 95 employees, they form an agile and efficient proximity network, with real strength in the field. The Fondation du patrimoine is a non-profit organisation. Our governing council, several supervisory bodies and our management team ensure that the funds are properly managed.

phone

Contact us

Fondation du patrimoine

E-mail

philantropie@fondation-patrimoine.org

Adresse

153 bis, avenue Charles de Gaulle - 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Téléphone

+33 1 70 48 48 00

newsletter

Vous voulez recevoir des informations régulières sur la Fondation et les projets ?

Trouver le bureau de la Fondation le plus proche

locateUser

Siège de la Fondation

153 bis, avenue Charles de Gaulle92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine01 70 48 48 00info@fondation-patrimoine.org