The Fondation du patrimoine: label and funding
Updated: Oct 27
Little known to private owners, the Fondation du Patrimoine is nevertheless one of the most effective tools to finance the restoration of an unlisted historic building. Its label entitles owners to significant tax advantages and sometimes direct grants.
What is the Fondation du Patrimoine?
The Fondation du Patrimoine is a private foundation recognized as being in the public interest, created in 1996. Its mission is to promote the preservation and enhancement of unprotected heritage — buildings that are neither classed nor registered as Historic Monuments but that have architectural, historical or landscape interest. The Atelier has supported several labeled projects, including the Maison du Modèle in Versailles.
Which buildings can be labeled?
The label applies to buildings that are not protected as historic monuments, are visible from public roads and have recognised heritage interest: townhouses, manor houses, old farmhouses, non-listed religious buildings. The property must also be located in a municipality with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, in a Site Patrimonial Remarquable (protected heritage area) or in a listed site, and the works must be approved by the Architecte des Bâtiments de France. As Versailles has more than 20,000 inhabitants, the label is available there for buildings within the protected heritage area (secteur sauvegardé), such as 19th- or early 20th-century apartment buildings with noteworthy architectural features. The City supports the Fondation du patrimoine each year through a partnership. Outside the protected area (Montreuil, Porchefontaine, Clagny-Glatigny and part of Les Chantiers), the City’s own façade restoration grant applies instead, on application to the Maison de l’architecture et du patrimoine.
What tax benefits does the label provide?
For owner-occupiers, the label allows them to deduct from their total taxable income 50% of the cost of the labelled works, net of any grants received, rising to 100% when at least 20% of the works are funded by grants. For landlords letting the property unfurnished, the full cost of the labelled works is deductible from rental income, and any resulting property deficit can be offset against total income without the usual €10,700 annual cap. These benefits mainly apply to exterior restoration works: façades, roofs, joinery and architectural details. The Fondation’s grant is only paid once the works are completed and found to comply with the approved programme.
How do you obtain the label?
Contact the regional delegation of the Fondation du Patrimoine, prepare a file (building description, photos, work estimates), and obtain the label before starting the works. This is essential: works already completed cannot be labeled.
Can the label be combined with other aids?
Yes, in certain conditions. The label can be combined with grants from the DRAC, departmental and regional councils. However, it cannot be combined with MaPrimeRénov’ for the same works.
The architect’s role in the process
The project architect prepares the technical file, writes the work specification, and argues the building’s heritage interest. Their knowledge of local heritage is decisive. For more about our approach, see our Expertise page or contact us.
To go further
Antoine de Gironde
Architecte DESA — Registered with the Order of Architects n°084305
Atelier d’Architecture Antoine de Gironde
10 rue de Fontenay, 78000 Versailles
