When heritage comes back to life
A living thread connects past, present, and future through the preservation of heritage. Committed to safeguarding this legacy, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Authority supports local municipalities in restoring monuments, historic structures, and emblematic sites that shape local identity. Churches, fountains, chapels, ramparts, and historic public buildings all stand as witnesses to time requiring maintenance, expertise, and collective commitment.
This policy notably relies on the Heritage Support Fund, a program that helps bring numerous restoration projects to life. Thanks to this support, buildings that were sometimes fragile regain their former radiance and their place in the daily lives of residents. These projects engage specialized craftsmen, architects, and local authorities, while also helping to preserve and pass on traditional skills.
Passing on a legacy
In Marseille, the Virgin and Child at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde has regained its golden glow following an extensive restoration. In Martigues, the Saint-Sébastien Canal footbridge, rebuilt in its iconic blue, restores the historic district’s poetic charm. In Saint-Chamas, the Flavian Bridge a unique Roman monument benefits from a dedicated conservation program. In Mimet, the restoration of the headframe of the Gérard mine shaft revives the region’s mining heritage.
Along the coastline, the Corniche in Sausset-les-Pins now offers a reimagined seaside promenade: wooden decking and Mediterranean vegetation invite visitors to experience the landscape from a renewed perspective.
Through these landmarks, heritage becomes a shared point of reference. With a clear commitment to passing on a living legacy for future generations to cherish and share.
