Buying Property in the Languedoc: Listed Buildings - the Theory

France has a system of listing historic buildings similar to (and based on) that in England. The Counterpart to English Heritage is the commission régionale du patrimoine historiqique, archéologique et ethnographique (COREPHAE), presided over by the prefet of the region. "monuments historiques" are buildings whose preservation are in the public interst from a historical or artistic point of view. (This corresponds to grade 1 listing in the UK). A less important building, the preservation of which is merely "desirable" can be "inscrit" in the inventaire supplementaire des monuments historiques. (This corresponds to grade 2 listing in the UK). Listed buildings in the Languedoc range from prehistoric megoliths, through the so called Cathar Castles, to relatively recent structures.

France has a system of listing historic buildings similar to (and based on) that in England. The Counterpart to English Heritage is the commission régionale du patrimoine historiqique, archéologique et ethnographique (COREPHAE), presided over by the prefet of the region who lists buildings by signing an arrêté. "monuments historiques" are buildings whose preservation are in the public interst from a historical or artistic point of view. (This corresponds to grade 1 listing in the UK). A less important building, the preservation of which is merely "desirable" can be "inscrit" in the inventaire supplementaire des monuments historiques. (This corresponds to grade 2 listing in the UK).

In theory the architects of the Bâtiments de France is there to help the owners of important historic buildings to preserve them. They like original materials to be used in restauration work. This means for example using lime instead of cement, local stone rather than brick, wooden beams rather than RSJ's, and so on. This is all very reasonable. Also in practice, substantial grants are available, specialist architects are on hand to provide expert advice, and there are significant tax advantages for expediture on listed buildings.

The practice is rather different. To learn about the reality, click here.