Grands Sites de France the policy

The remediation of deteriorated sites

Over the last 20 years, within the framework of national policy driven by the French State, the most prestigious and most visited national heritage sites have undergone ambitious rehabilitation projects. These projects are part of the “Opérations Grands Sites”* which are partnerships between the French state, local organisations and the people on the sites themselves.

The Opérations Grands Sites are tangible improvements that may include the rehabilitation of deteriorated areas and the improvement or creation of welcome facilities.

They are based on a set of strong principles that must be applied by all the partners involved. These are:

  • The respect of the ‘spirit’ of each site is the basis for any operation on a Grand Site
  • A Grand Site has a dominant role of welcoming and informing the public.
  • The number of people visiting the site and the way they visit it must be compatible with its preservation, meaning that visits must be managed and controlled
  • The inhabitants of any Grand Site must be involved in what happens there
  • Any takings from the visits are to be used in priority to conserve the site
  • An Opération Grand Site must also involve the surrounding region to further sustainable development
     

Currently there are around forty Opérations Grands Sites being carried out throughout France.

* “Opération Grand Site” is a registered brand name owned by the French state.

 

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