DRAC grant — Restoring listed cultural heritage (classified historic monuments, MH)
This permanent scheme targets private owners of classified monuments. The grant rate ranges from 20% to 40% of eligible works excluding VAT for an ordinary owner, and can reach 80% where the owner undertakes to open the monument to the public at least 40 days a year (including 25 non-public-holiday days between April and September). The works must be led by a chief architect of historic monuments (ACMH).
Restoring a classified historic monument involves strict technical and administrative requirements, often with high works costs. The DRAC (regional directorate of cultural affairs) grants subsidies to private owners to finance these works, with a rate that can be significantly increased if the monument is opened to the public.
Funded by DRAC — Ministère de la Culture
Run a personalised scan to identify the public grants and funding your company may be able to access.
Who can apply
Owners or co-owners — individuals or private-law legal entities (family property company (SCI), association, operating company) — of a classified historic monument can apply for this grant. The monument must be on the list of classified monuments (Mérimée database, culture.gouv.fr).
Eligibility conditions
Only works concerning exclusively the classified parts of the monument are covered. Using a chief architect of historic monuments (ACMH) appointed by the DRAC is compulsory, as is prior works authorisation (APT) issued by the DRAC before any start — no retroactive funding is possible. The owner undertakes to keep the monument for at least 10 years after the works.
What the scheme covers
Structural works (masonry, roofing, framework, structure) are eligible as a priority. DRAC funding can be supplemented by grants from the Regions, Départements and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Amount and funding terms
The maximum amount indicated for this scheme is €300,000, with a minimum of €5,000 and an intervention rate of around 30% according to the information available. The source text specifies a range of 20% to 40% for an ordinary owner, which can reach 80% with a commitment to open to the public (at least 40 days a year, including 25 non-public-holiday days between 1 April and 30 September).
How to apply
1. Check the monument’s classification in the Mérimée database. 2. Appoint a chief architect of historic monuments (ACMH) through the DRAC. 3. Apply for prior works authorisation (APT) before the works start. 4. Apply for the DRAC grant and assess the value of a commitment to open to the public to increase the rate. 5. Look for additional funding from the Regions, Départements and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Timeline
A permanent scheme with no fixed deadline, but no retroactive funding is possible: the application and the prior works authorisation must be obtained before the works start.
Key facts
- Funder
- DRAC — Ministère de la Culture
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Ongoing
- Maximum amount
- €300,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Minimum amount
- €5,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Funding rate
- 30%
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum grant rate?
Up to 80% where the owner undertakes to open the monument to the public at least 40 days a year.
Is a specialist architect compulsory?
Yes, using a chief architect of historic monuments (ACMH) appointed by the DRAC is compulsory.
Can the works start before the DRAC replies?
No, the prior works authorisation (APT) must be obtained before any start — no retroactive funding is possible.
Is there a commitment after the works?
Yes, the owner undertakes to keep the monument for at least 10 years after the restoration.
Official source
Official DRAC — Ministère de la Culture page ↗(drac_culture)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
Other grants of type “grant”
Related needs and funding
Competitive calls for projects
Ecological transition and CSR
Capital and investment funds
Support and acceleration
Diagnostics and audits
Takeover and transfer
Discover the funding that fits your company
Check your eligibility for public grants
This scheme is only one of the grants your company may be able to access. Run a personalised scan to identify the funding opportunities that match your activity, location and project.
See the opportunities identified by the scan, then access your personalised report.