French heritage sites at climate risk

A report published by the Réseau Action Climat (RAC) on October 15 highlights the impact of climate change on twenty cultural heritage sites in France and its overseas territories, including the Grotte de Lascaux, the château de Carcassonne, and the Taputapuātea sacred site in French Polynesia.

Cultural heritage under threat

The RAC, which includes around thirty national and local associations, states that cultural heritage is already facing the consequences of climate change. This includes rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in environmental conditions that can damage historical structures and artifacts.

Carcassonne's heat challenge

In Carcassonne, the medieval city has experienced extreme heat, with a record temperature of 43.2 °C recorded during a heatwave in 2023. The RAC notes that the city's largely mineral structure limits protection from high temperatures, and these conditions are expected to worsen in the coming decades.

Adaptation measures proposed

The report suggests measures such as adjusting visiting hours, opening in the evening, prohibiting visits during the hottest hours, redesigning itineraries to stay cool, and providing water points and air-conditioned spaces. However, these measures may have economic consequences and add constraints for tourism professionals and local businesses.

Risks of fire and structural damage

Carcassonne, along with the Aude department, is particularly vulnerable to vegetation fires, and the castle and walls are exposed to the risk of clay shrinkage and swelling. These factors can weaken the structural integrity of the historic site over time.

Lagging adaptation efforts

The RAC emphasizes that adaptation efforts are lagging and will not be sufficient, warning that the greater the warming, the more numerous and difficult to manage the impacts on heritage will be. The report also mentions other sites such as the beaches of the D-Day landings, the château de Chambord, and the salt marshes of Guérande.