Government subsidies are available, subject to certain conditions, for the restoration and promotion of buildings with a historical, architectural, archaeological, artistic, scientific, technical or industrial interest that have retained their typical or historical character and whose construction was completed at least 60 prior to the date of the application.

Exceptionally, more recent buildings are eligible when they are of outstanding architectural value.

The subsidies help cover a portion of the additional expenses occasioned by the relevant measures.

Applications for the subsidy are managed by the National Sites and Monuments Service (Service des sites et monuments nationaux - SSMN).

Who is concerned

This procedure is open to all natural and legal persons, communes, associations of communes and associations:

• wishing to carry out works contributing to the conservation or restoration of the original appearance of a building, with the aim of safeguarding its historical substance;
• that are committed to observing the recommendations of the SSMN.

Preliminary steps

To qualify for a subsidy:

• the building must be at least 60 years old at the time of the application;
• exceptionally, more recent buildings of outstanding architectural value may also receive subsidies;
• the building in question must have retained its typical or historical character;
• the work must contribute to the conservation or restoration of the original appearance of the building.

How to proceed

Types of works covered

The subsidy can cover the following:

• façade works;
• roofing works;
• flashing works;
• structural works;
• ironworks and locks;
• window installations;
• restoration or renovation of doors;
• various types of work inside the building to safeguard its historical substance;
• where applicable, any work by architects and engineers.

Submitting the application

1^st step:

The application is submitted, prior to starting the works, using the relevant application form.

The applicant must attach the following documents:

• representative photos showing all sides of the building to be restored;
• plans and quotes for the project depending on the intended work.

The complete application should be sent to the SSMN, whose address is given on the form.

Thereafter, an expert from the SSMN will set an appointment at the site to discuss the different works to be carried out. Based on the submitted quotes, the Minister for Culture may send the applicant a promise of a subsidy, subject to the approval of the SSMN.

That promise will include the works which are to be subsidised and the percentage or lump sum of the subsidy in relation to the expenses incurred, depending on the credits available and on condition that the SSMN's recommendations are observed during the execution of the works.

2^nd step:

Upon completion of the works, the total amount of the subsidy is set by the Minister on the basis of a form completed and returned to the SSMN, together with the receipted invoices, the statements established by the supplier(s) of the works or services, and photos of the restored building.

In submitting that form, the applicant formally commits to refrain from altering the result of the subsidised restoration works without informing the department at least 3 months prior to the beginning of any new works.

Amount of subsidies

Within the limits of the SSMN budget, eligible works may be subsidised as follows:

• up to 25% of expenses incurred for buildings that are protected at the communal level, not listed as national monuments, not proposed for listing and not registered in the supplementary inventory;
• up to 50% of expenses incurred for buildings that are listed as national monuments, proposed for listing or registered in the supplementary inventory;
• over 50% of expenses incurred for buildings that are listed as national monuments, and when approved by the National Sites and Monuments Commission.

Forms / Online services

Who to contact