-
Roads to avoid as people travel for a bank holiday weekend away
It is the last long weekend before the summer holidays and many people will be going away
-
American on Interpol’s wanted list found during routine check in France
He is accused of sexually assaulting a student at a Pennsylvania college in 2013
-
EXPLAINED: Why France has declared state of emergency in New Caledonia
Three people have been killed in riots since the start of the week
Heritage lottery plan unveiled
Special draws and scratchcard games set to raise funds to preserve historic venues and artefacts across France
A special lottery to fund the preservation of France's cultural heritage has been unveiled by Culture Minister Françoise Nyssen.
Draws, with funds going towards the maintenance, renovation and upkeep of some of France's most beloved historical treasures, could take place on the day before European Heritage events.
The lottery, which still has to be approved by MPs will be presented as part of an amendment to the budget bill currently working its way through the Assembly.
National lottery operator Française des Jeux will also launch a scratchcard game to raise additional funds for restoration projects.
Buildings under the care of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux are among those set to benefit from the new funds, as will emergency restoration projects to be overseen by TV presenter Stéphane Bern who has been given the job of saving France's crumbling cultural heritage.
Read more: Visitors 'should pay to visit France's cathedrals' - Bern
Ms Nyssen also announced the creation of a €15million fund for the restoration of protected heritage in places with less than 2,000 inhabitants.
Read more: Welcome to Chambord - the fairytale chateau built to give a king a home for just 72 days
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France