The Heritage Foundation announced on Monday, September 14, that it has allocated 7.45 million euros to fund the ninth edition of the Heritage Lottery. This initiative is organized by the Heritage Mission, an organization dedicated to preserving France’s endangered historical and cultural sites, and supported by Stéphane Bern, a French television presenter and cultural advocate. The funds will be distributed to 18 notable sites across both metropolitan France and its overseas territories, with each receiving between 100,000 and 500,000 euros in grants. Among these, Fort Queyras, a medieval castle located in the Hautes-Alpes region, has been awarded the maximum grant of 500,000 euros. Fort Queyras, originally built in the 13th century and later modified by the renowned military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, has faced significant damage due to repeated freezing and thawing cycles in recent years. As a result, emergency preservation measures were implemented in 2024 and 2025, which required the temporary closure of some areas to the public. The restoration project, made possible by this grant, will focus on repairing the walls of the eastern bastion, roof structures, coverings, and various buildings within the fort, including the Governor's pavilion, powder magazine, bakery, armory, and guard house, as well as the external floors. The Heritage Foundation aims to not only restore the fort’s physical structures but also to create a cultural, tourist, and educational experience accessible to a wide audience. The project includes plans for activities targeting schoolchildren, concerts, and other public events that will bring history to life for visitors. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to preserve France’s historical heritage while promoting public engagement and accessibility. The funding will be officially handed over on Friday, September 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Queyras during the European Heritage Days, an annual event that celebrates and promotes the cultural and historical heritage of Europe. This ceremony will highlight the importance of preserving such sites and the role of public and private partnerships in achieving these goals.