This Patrimoine (heritage) weekend is to celebrate and visit those structures which form part of France's heritage - not just old buildings, but newer projects which capture the imagination of all generations.
The system of protection and preservation has existed since the first patrimoine fund was established in 1819 and communes have been charged with dealing with upkeep of their cultural heritage. Now a lottery has ben set up by FDJ, the body charged with operation of the various lotteries and scratch cards sold in France, with the sole aim of supporting heritage projects. The "patrimoine" loto is expected to raise up to 20 million euros via the cards and the lottery, the first draw of which will be made tonight.
With a jackpot of 13 million euros over 250 projects stand to benefit, projects which have bid for funding and range from historic abbeys to abandoned railway installations.
Buyers of the tickets and cards may be attracted by the prospect of a big win rather than saving the patrimoine, but perhaps the ends justify the means.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
