For seven years now, the Mission pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine en péril, headed by Stéphane Bern, and aimed at safeguarding France's endangered heritage, has been selecting historic and emblematic sites for a grand loto du patrimoine, a vast operation of scratch tickets and draws in collaboration with Française des Jeux (FDJ). The proceeds from this operation will be used to highlight France's historic heritage, and to carry out renovation work to protect France's historic soul, whether in public or private buildings.
In 2021, the French Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot admitted that "thanks to the dynamism of Stéphane Bern, with whom we work hand in hand, this initiative has become a not-to-be-missed event for all heritage lovers, who are, I'm delighted to say, growing in number."
Last March, the Fondation du patrimoine selected a total of 18 emblematic sites in mainland France and the French overseas territories. These 18 sites are as diverse as they are varied, and have been given priority to receive an endowment to help with their renovation. "In this year, when France will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Heritage Mission wanted to highlight sports heritage projects such as a 1950s swimming pool, a stud farm or the grandstand of a sports stadium," stated a press release published on March 20.
This autumn, the Loto du Patrimoine is back, this time with the list of the 100 departmental sites selected in France and its overseas territories. So, which of these 100 departmental sites have been selected in Île-de-France? For this 2024 edition of the Loto du Patrimoine, 8 sites in the Paris region have been selected. They include the Studio Raspail in Paris, the Maison natale - Musée Louis Braille in Seine-et-Marne, the Villa Lander in Essonne, the Cité de la Muette in Seine-Saint-Denis and the Château d'Hérouville in Val-d'Oise.
"They will benefit from the financial support of the seventh edition of the Mission Patrimoine games program, launched today. The amount of each site's prize will be announced at the end of the year", states the press release published on September 2.
Located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, the Studio Raspail was inaugurated in 1934. A former cinema and theater, the Studio Raspail is steeped in history and anecdotes. The rehabilitation of the Studio Raspail is intended to reopen it to the general public, as it was from the 1930s to the 1980s," Mission Bern announced in a press release. "The Studio Raspail is to become a 250-seat multi-purpose auditorium, offering an eclectic program of musical, theatrical and conference performances in the historic Montparnasse district," it adds.
Former home of the Braille family, the Louis Braille Museum celebrates the inventor of the writing system for the blind. Thanks to the Loto du Patrimoine, the Louis Braille Museum would like to offer various workshops in its facilities, such as initiations to Braille writing, sensory workshops and blind tastings. Other projects? The creation of a garden for the five senses, and the launch of a tourist and walking trail entitled " In the footsteps of Louis Braille ".
An emblematic venue for French yachting, the Cercle de la Voile de Paris has undeniably left its mark on history with its memorable regattas and contributions to the Olympic Games."In the medium term, the association plans to take advantage of the installation of the Institut de Santé Parasport Connecté (ISPC) in Les Mureaux, scheduled for 2026, to acquire equipment for the practice of sailing by people with disabilities" announces Mission Bern. At a later date, the Cercle de la Voile de Paris would also like to open all its historic facilities to the public, notably during the European Heritage Days.
Thanks to the Loto du Patrimoine, the Villa Lander, described as an"endangered heritage gem", will be open to the public five times a year: on the first Wednesday of each new quarter and during the European Heritage Days. There are also plans to create an exhibition featuring historic photos of the neighborhood and its homes.
Le Corbusier's mythical Villa Stein de Monzie is about to get a makeover! Once restoration work is completed, scheduled for 2025, the Villa Stein de Monzie will open its doors to a variety of cultural events, including public and private ephemeral events, conferences and seminars, and guided tours of the grounds.
A testament to modern architecture and a place of remembrance steeped in the tragedies of the Second World War, the Cité de la Muette in Drancy is also one of the departmental sites selected in the Île-de-France region by the Mission Patrimoine. The aim of the rehabilitation? To restore the whole of its original appearance,"with the greatest respect", it is specified, in order to"fully enhance the historical and architectural character of this emblematic site".
Located in Ivry-sur-Seine, the Delacroix quarry-cellar is steeped in history, stretching from the Middle Ages to the Second World War! The aim of the Loto du Patrimoine is to reopen the site to the public, while revitalizing the cultural offer for local residents.
Château d'Hérouville, an incredible monument in the Val-d'Oise region of France, is a well-known landmark for music lovers. A former manor house, it was transformed into a recording studio by Michel Magne. Proof of its renown, in the 70s and 80s the studio hosted such prestigious artists as David Bowie, Elton John, Iggy Pop, Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye and the Bee Gees. Abandoned for 30 years, until 2015, the Château d'Hérouville will now be restored as a center for artistic creation.
As the Ministry points out, this operation is a real success. Since the first edition in 2018, Mission Patrimoine has helped more than 950 sites with their restoration work, including more than 125 emblematic regional heritage projects and more than 835 departmental sites.
Official website
www.fondation-patrimoine.org
