What is the role of France's Architectes des Bâtiments service?

What is the ABF?

ABF is short for Architectes des Bâtiments de France (architects of the buildings of France), a select group of 190 qualified architects, each of whom has been designated by the Minister for Culture.

The ABF has a public service mission for the preservation and maintenance of historic monuments, as well as being responsible for any projects in protected areas. This can encompass urban planning, forests, roadside zones and environmental issues. 

An ABF architect is a key point of contact for individuals, professionals and civil servants alike.

Why do we need them?

In the early 1900s, any work required on a major monument owned by the state would be handled by local architects, supervised by the state. 

After the destruction of World War II, it was important that reconstruction was handled sensitively, so in 1946 the ABF was created to ensure a consistent balance between respect for heritage and local planning.

When might I encounter them?

You might cross paths with the ABF if you own a historic property or want to carry out work in proximity to one. Similarly, if you are considering work that might affect a listed building or site of particular heritage interest, known as a site classé or site inscrit. 

You may also deal with the ABF if you are working in related areas (a foreman or site engineer, for example) or as an elected official, as the ABF can advise councils on planning issues and can also intervene to ensure their rules are respected.

Conversely, you might also need to contact the ABF if you are planning an unusual newbuild, as they handle structures labelled ACR, or architecture contemporaine remarquable.

Nationally, the ABF is responsible for 43,000 historic monuments, nearly 7,000 sites of heritage interest and a total of 500,000 cases every year. Half of these concern projects that fall within a certain perimeter (les abords) of a historic monument.

Good to know

The ABF operates under two other cultural umbrellas: on a regional level it is the DRAC (Direction régionale des affaires culturelles), while on a departmental level the ABF sits within an architecture and heritage unit known as UDAP (Unités départementales de l'architecture et du patrimoine). 

You might hear these acronyms but you will almost certainly be dealing directly with an ABF contact.

What do they cost?

If you have a building project that concerns a heritage site or historic building and would therefore involve the ABF you are not penalised with additional fees. 

Submit your file as you would for straightforward planning permission, and the ABF costs are covered by the Minister for Culture.

More details

To check if your property or land falls within the remit of the ABF, search on the Atlas des Patrimoines or find your nearest ABF or UDAP office. They can advise on how best to proceed with any plans.