City of Art and History

The label City of Art and History is a prestigious distinction awarded to French municipalities that stand out for their heritage culture, history and architectural heritage. Created to highlight the heritage of towns and help them preserve it, this label attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of heritage discovery. the country. By exploring these cities, travellers can immerse themselves in the history, art and architecture that shape the cultural richness of the region. the country.

To discover other tourism labels, read our detailed article here.

The Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label: Definition and origins

Created in 1985 by the French Ministry of Culture, the City of Art and History aims to recognize and support communities with a remarkable urban, architectural or natural heritage. This label underlines the importance of heritage enhancementnot only for the preservation of local history, but also for its tourism development.

Towns awarded the label undertake to set up educational and cultural initiatives to help residents and visitors alike discover their heritage. Guide-lecturers, explanatory panels and special events make this heritage accessible to all.

History of the Label

The label is part of a heritage protection begun in the early 20th century. However, it was only in the 1980s, with the emergence of more assertive cultural policies, that this label came into being. Inspired by earlier local initiatives, it is intended as a lever to encourage the safeguarding of historic sites and the promotion of cultural tourism. heritage awareness in French cities.

Since its launch, a large number of towns and villages have been awarded the label, enriching the tourism offering and promoting emblematic sites of French culture.

Cities by region

Every French region is home to labelled towns City of Art and History. Here is an overview of the main cities in different regions :

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

• Lyon
• Chambéry
• Le Puy-en-Velay

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

• Arles
• Grasse
• Briançon

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

• La Rochelle
• Poitiers
• Bayonne

Île-de-France

• Paris
• Saint-Denis
• Meaux

These towns reflect the diversity and richness of France's heritage, blending architectural, historical and cultural influences unique to each region.

The most famous cities to have obtained the Label

Among the many cities that have been awarded the City of Art and Historysome stand out for their international renown and exceptional heritage:

• Paris The capital is an open-air museum, with countless monuments, museums and historic sites.
• Lyon The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center and its role in the economic and political development of France.

Discover the city of Lyon by reading this dedicated article here.

• Arles : Known for its Roman heritage, Arles offers a journey back in time through its arenas, ancient theater and medieval churches.
• Rouen : Emblematic city of NormandyRouen is brimming with Gothic treasures, such as its cathedraland references to the story of Joan of Arc. (Read our detailed article on Joan of Arc).

Criteria for obtaining the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label

For a town to be awarded the City of Art and Historyseveral criteria must be met:

• A recognized heritage The town must have a significant built, urban or landscape heritage. This includes historic monuments, old districts or remarkable natural landscapes.
• An enhancement project The city must show a willingness to improve knowledge and promotion of this heritage among the general public. This includes organizing guided tours, exhibitions and cultural events.
• A commitment to education : Actions need to be taken to raise awareness of the importance of heritage among young people and local residents.
• Working with experts Cities need to work with architects, urban planners and historians to bring their conservation projects to fruition.

Activities and Sites to Visit in Towns of Art and History

Visit a City of Art and History offers an immersive cultural experience. Here are just a few examples of what visitors can do in these cities:

• Guided tours : Expert guide-lecturers offer themed tours to discover the history and emblematic monuments of each city.
• Temporary exhibitions and museums : These towns are often home to museums or galleries featuring art, history or archaeology collections.
• Architectural walks : Each city showcases its own unique architecture, from medieval buildings and castles to contemporary works of art.
• Cultural events Festivals, exhibitions, historical re-enactments and heritage days bring the city to life. art cities throughout the year.

Other tourism labels for towns in France

In addition to the City of Art and HistoryThere are also other tourism labels that distinguish French towns and villages for their heritage and the quality of their welcome:

• The Most Beautiful Villages in France : This label is awarded to rural communities with an exceptional heritage.

Find out more about this label by reading our dedicated article here.

• Station Verte A label for towns and villages committed to sustainable tourism.
• Towns and Villages in Bloom This label is awarded to towns and villages that work to beautify their environment with green spaces and flowers. (To find out more about this label, click here)
• Country of Art and History : Similar to the City of Art and HistoryThis label extends to larger territories, grouping together several communes around a common heritage.

Do you know about the 'Petites cités de caractère' label?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label

What is a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire?

A City of Art and History is a commune renowned for its architectural, urban and landscape heritage, and is committed to promoting and preserving it.

How does a city get the label?

A city must have a recognized heritage and implement actions to preserve and promote it, and raise public awareness.

How many towns have been awarded this label?

By 2023, more than 200 cities were awarded the City of Art and History.

Do cities have to meet specific criteria?

Yes, they must meet criteria relating to the quality of their heritage, their commitment to education and the enhancement of their historical assets.

Is the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label just for big cities?

No, towns of all sizes can obtain this label if they have a remarkable heritage and meet the criteria.

What activities can I do in a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire?

You can take part in guided tours, exhibitions, cultural events and explore local historic monuments and museums.

Do the Towns of Art and History organize annual events?

Yes, they often take part in European Heritage Days and cultural festivals.

Where can I find the full list of approved cities?

The full list of cities is available on the official French Ministry of Culture.

Conclusion

The label City of Art and History is a valuable asset in the promotion and protection of France's heritage. It allows visitors to discover architectural and cultural treasures unique to each region. Whether you're looking for an urban getaway or a historical exploration, these cities offer an experience rich in discovery. Find out more at national heritage on a dedicated source.