Saint-Nicolas-lès-Cîteaux, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux
Cîteaux is the mother house of the Cistercian Order, founded in 1098 by monks from Molesme. Only three buildings of the great abbey survived the Revolution; the 17th-century Définitoire, where the abbots of the whole order met in general chapter, is one of them. Monks still live, pray and make cheese on the site.
The Définitoire was damaged by fire in the 19th century, is largely disused and is described by the Fondation du patrimoine as in a state of peril; walls and roof come first. Once saved it is to house a study and research center holding the archives of the order, plus exhibition space. Works began in March 2025 and the donation drive is under half way to its target.
Before you act. The current collection is due to close on 31 January 2027; check whether it has been extended.
Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: Fondation du patrimoine (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté delegation), for the monks of Cîteaux.
Le Mont-Dieu, France
On the morning of 2 November 2025 a fire gutted the main building, leaving only walls and a few vaults and destroying the original timber roof and painted beams. The owners first need to protect the exposed masonry, then rebuild frame and roof. Insurance is capped, so the Fondation du patrimoine opened an emergency collection.
Boulaur, France
The church bell tower is leaking badly: a buttress is crumbling, plants are growing on the tower and the stained glass lets wind and rain into the choir. The planned work covers waterproofing, masonry, the belfry, a full new roof and repair of the elevations, buttresses and windows.