Fondation du patrimoine selects 100 sites for 2026 restoration

The Fondation du patrimoine has announced the 100 departmental winners for the 2026 edition of the ‘Loto du patrimoine’, a mission led by Stéphane Bern to fund the restoration of endangered sites across France. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and FDJ UNITED, the initiative selects one site per department to receive financial aid through proceeds from dedicated lottery games and scratch cards.

Religious buildings are a primary focus this year, accounting for 34% of the selected sites, an increase from 25% in 2025. Notable projects include the Saint-Maur church in Martel, the Saint-Nicolas church in Ercuis, and the Chapelle de Lujat in Ariège. Other diverse selections include the historic greenhouse of the Domaine de la Chute in Indre-et-Loire and the military fort of Pointe de Diamant.

Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported the restoration of over 1,080 monuments, with more than 70% of these sites already saved or in the process of being restored. The specific funding amounts for the 2026 winners are expected to be disclosed in December.