News

Fondation du patrimoine / TotalEnergies Foundation: Seven new projects where restoration rhymes with inclusion.

In a 17-year long partnership, TotalEnergies Foundation and la Fondation du patrimoine (the French Heritage Foundation) have conducted almost 300 projects to restore old buildings. The 15 projects completed in 2022 gave a new lease of life to  ancient stones, generated 25,000 working hours for young adults having difficulties entering the job market, and created 750 jobs.

Published on 08/06/2023
1 min reading time

The restoration of historical buildings naturally carries significant cultural advantages, but it is also a wonderful socio-professional lever for young people in vulnerable situations, which is why TotalEnergies Foundation and la Fondation du patrimoine have decided to favor restoration projects that foster inclusion or training for young people. Specific attention is now also focused on the new life of the restored building: priority is given to venues whose new purpose includes proposing initiatives that will help young people access culture, to welcoming them, supporting them and helping them become independent. As part of our partnership with la Fondation du patrimoine and based on the aforementioned criteria, seven new restoration projects were selected in April 2023.

Infographics « Map of the 7 new restoration projects » - see detailed description hereafter

Historic barn – Quaëdypre, Villeneuve d’Ascq (Northern France)

This barn made of elm is a precious example of rural architecture at the end of the 18th Century in the Hauts-de-France region. Around twenty beneficiaries from the Formation Culture et Prévention association, which works to help young adults become independent, will contribute to the restoration project. The barn will then be included in the Open-Air Museum at Villeneuve d’Ascq.

Pilotine I at the Harbor Museum - Dunkirk (Northern France)

The Pilotine I, built in the 1960s, guided large ships through the harbor of Dunkirk for 30 years. The complete restoration of this pilot-boat means that every year, two apprentices will receive training in naval construction techniques.

Chateau Solar – Castelmoron-sur-Lot

This medieval castle, restored in the Moorish style of the 19th Century, is now home to the City Hall. Two young apprentices will help restore the two upper floors, with the aim of opening them to the public for cultural, museum or associative activities.

Hospitalité de la Beauté, historic Manor at Roquesérière (Haute-Garonne)

The Hospitalité de la Beauté aims to juxtapose Art and Nature, the able-bodied and those with disabilities. Restoring this country manor to make it an eco-friendly place to be, is one of the collective projects involving experienced craftspeople, people in socially-vulnerable situations and young apprentices.

Fort Dugommier - Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales)

Fort Dugommier is the pride of military architecture, and the center of a restoration project which aims to restore it to its former glory, and make it home to an avant-garde arts center. Every year, 80 volunteers aged between 17 and 24, will take part in the project and thereby contribute to a public interest action.

The Natural History Museum - Le Havre (Seine-Maritime)

Every year, the museum welcomes 9,000 young people under 26. The next restoration phase, which will involve young people seeking socio-professional inclusion, has a dual aim: to improve accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, and reworking the exhibitions to consolidate the Museum’s status as a cultural and scientific hub, dedicated to evoking environmental issues. 

The Saint-Charles Historic Chapel - Paimboeuf (Loire-Atlantique)

This deconsecrated chapel backs onto the former general hospital. The restoration project will call on companies who work with specialist establishments and, by doing so, it will contribute to training young people and people with disabilities. Once restored, the building is intended to host multicultural events (concerts, exhibitions, etc.).