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A network of association

Created in 1966, REMPART is a union 170 non-profit-making French organisations promoting heritage preservation. REMPART is set up to give member associations the opportunity to discuss issues and exchange experiences. Associations wich join Union REMPART undertake to participate in a broader movement and to accept a common standard. They adhere to quality and training policies definded by Union REMPART, which represents and promotes them at regional, national and international levels.

Union REMPART has forged close links with French public authorities. It is recognised as a public utility organisation by the Ministries of Culture, Youth, Education, Environment, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs as well as with local and regional authorities.

One of the goals of REMPART’s member associations is to acquire knowledge on the buildings they are responsible for and whose restoration they have undertaken. To do this, the associations carry out studies or architectural surveys, search through archives or engage in archaeological work. The associations endeavour to publish the results of their research in order to pass on their knowledge to professionals or scientists as well as to the general public. Likewise, REMPART associations open the sites in their care to the public, organise exhibitions and museums, develop educational activities, etc. All this gives many people the opportunity to discover and find out more about their cultural heritage.

When it comes to heritage, Union REMPART’s ambition is twofold : restore and organise activities. Indeed, a restoration action is complete only if the project has a precise aim. A building, a natural or archaeological site may well be restored, but it they are not put to use adapted to today’s society, they risk falling to rack and ruin again.

Every site taken care of by a REMPART association is not only preserved or restored – it is also given a new purpose and it is brought to life within the framework of a local development project. Thus, a medieval ruin becomes an open air theatre, a rural house is turned into holiday accommodation, a museum is set up in an abandoned laundry, etc. Each project is the result of co-operation between the local REMPART association on the one hand and local partners, local people or public authorities on the other hand. The project takes into consideration the local social, economic and cultural environment as well as human, financial and technical means the local association may possess and of course the potential and the identity of the building it is in charge of.