For 8 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.
Mission Patrimoine, spearheaded by Stéphane Bern, deployed by the Fondation du Patrimoine and supported by the French Ministry of Culture and FDJ UNITED, has revealed the 18 emblematic 2025 sites in France's mainland and overseas regions. These monuments will receive financial support as part of the 8th edition of the Mission Patrimoine gaming offer, scheduled for launch in September 2025.
Each year, this initiative highlights a variety of sites that bear witness to French history and architectural expertise. From religious buildings to industrial sites, gardens and military infrastructures, these monuments reflect the richness and diversity of France's heritage. The prizes will be announced during the forthcoming European Heritage Days.
This year, Mission Patrimoine has decided to step up its support for Mayotte, which was hit hard by cyclone Chidoein December. Exceptional aid of one million euros will be allocated to projects in Mayotte already supported in previous editions, in order to finance the additional work required.
Among the sites selected this year, one in the Yvelines region of the Paris region will receive support for its restoration and enhancement. But before you discover it, here's the full list of the 18 emblematic 2025 sites selected:
In the Île-de-France region, and particularly in the Yvelines, Soufflot's Nymphée in Chatou has been selected. This monumental edifice, designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot between 1774 and 1777, is a rare vestige of the estate of Henri-Léonard Bertin, minister under Louis XV. Situated near the Seine, this ornamental hydraulic structure features a shell vault, supported by 18 columns combining limestone, millstone and colored stone.
Owned by the town of Chatou since 2021, the nymphée is now in danger of collapsing. Its restoration will involve waterproofing, restoring the decorations, rebuilding the piers, and restoring water to the basin and machinery. Eventually, it will become an integral part of the city's heritage circuit, alongside the Hameau Fournaise and the Hôtel de Ville, making it a cultural landmark not to be missed.
Thanks to the Loto du Patrimoine, over 980 sites have already been supported since 2018, enabling 690 of them to be saved or restored. This 8th edition continues the ambition to safeguard a common heritage, essential to the collective memory and influence of French heritage. Join us in September for the Journées du Patrimoine to find out how much has been allocated to each site.
Official website
www.fondation-patrimoine.org
