ABSTRACT
The French model for urban heritage conservation evolved over the course of the twentieth century. It is seen as something of a benchmark in the field of preservation and restoration, even if at times it is criticized for giving preference to concern for monuments rather than urban balance in cities, their functions and social needs. Besides offering an account of this planning system with regard to urban heritage, this chapter aims to learn from its strengths and weaknesses, and its interactions with other elements of town planning, which follow a line of evolution comparable to that of other European countries such as Italy, Spain or the United Kingdom. At this point it may be termed a shared experience in urban heritage protection over the second half of the twentieth century.
Planning tools such as the concepts of Secteurs Sauvegardés (SSs) and Zones de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural, Urbain et Paysager (ZPPAUPs) may be tracked as they come into force and evolve. They have tended to incorporate changes aimed at improving integration and interaction between different planning instruments, following European trends toward integrated urban regeneration.
