France's favourite monument 2024: which one will represent the Île-de-France region?

A new 4th edition of " Le monument préféré des Français "! Still presented by Stéphane Bern, the program will be broadcast on France 3 this autumn to coincide with the 41st European Heritage Days. Once again, " Le monument préféré des Français " takes us on a fabulous journey along the roads of France to discover the wealth of our cultural, architectural and historical heritage.

In 2023, the fortified castle of Sedan, located in the Grand Est region of France, was named " France's favorite monument ". So, who will succeed it this year? For the time being, it's still too early to say, but 14 selected monuments will be in the running this year. Before the winners and results are known, Internet users are invited to vote for the monument that will represent their region from among two proposals.

These include the Domaine de Trévarez at Saint-Goazec in Finistère, the Château de Maintenon in Eure-et-Loir, the Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio, the Belfry of Douai in Nord, the Château d'Eu - Musée Louis-Philippe in Seine-Maritime and the Fort Louvois in Charente-Maritime.

What about the Ile-de-France region? Last year, Internet users chose the Bibliothèque nationale de France Site Richelieu in Paris to represent the Île-de-France region. This year, users will have to choose between the Abbaye de Royaumont in Val-d'Oise and the Château de Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne.

• To be read
• Flagy, the Village de Caractère de Seine-et-Marne, one of the French People's Favourite Villages
• The French people's favourite village 2024: here is the commune representing the Île-de-France region
• Le Monument préféré des Français 2023: here's the winner and the complete ranking

Located in Asnières-sur-Oise, the Abbaye de Royaumont was founded in 1228 by Louis IX and his mother Blanche de Castille. After being sold during the French Revolution and converted into a textile factory, the Abbey later became home to artists and intellectuals. Its buildings have been classified as historic monuments since 1927, and the Abbey boasts three remarkable gardens and a 7-hectare park.

(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]

Located in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, the Château de Fontainebleau has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The edifice is renowned for having welcomed all French sovereigns from the 12th to the 19th century. With over 1,500 rooms, the Château de Fontainebleau boasts 130 hectares of parkland and gardens.

Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares. [Read more]

So, which of these two sites will represent the Île-de-France region in the 2024 edition of " France's Favorite Monument "? The answer will be given in a few weeks' time. In the meantime, don't forget to vote for your favorite monument. You have until May 24, 2024 11:59 pm to vote on the official website. The ranking and winner of this 2024 edition will be revealed during a prime-time show scheduled for the autumn.