How European countries preserve ancient buildings

France: Protecting heritage from grand cathedrals to little teaspoons

In 1964, France carried out a comprehensive investigation of everything from cathedrals to small teaspoons to record the country’s cultural relics. [File photo]

People often rave about the well-preserved historic buildings in Paris after a visit to France. With the Arch of Triumph as the line of demarcation between the new and old urban areas, one side of the city is highly modernized while the other allows no modern architecture. If ancient dwellers returned, they could easily find the way home, Parisians have proudly said.

In 1964, France carried out a comprehensive investigation of everything from cathedrals to small teaspoons to record the country’s cultural relics. Around 40,000 pieces of cultural relics were brought under protection, half of which were private properties and received government sponsorships since then. France’s budget for historical and cultural restoration exceeds 300 million Euros (about 2 billion yuan) every year.