Archaeologists are shocked by the words of Rachida Dati at the Dampierre-en-Yvelines castle

The minister’s intervention still stuck in their throats. Under the banner of the Sud Culture Solidaires, archaeologists who intervene in heritage conservation have just sent an open letter to the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati.

The letter is based on remarks she made at Dampierre-en-Yvelines at the beginning of April, during the opening of the castle’s honorary gates. Classified as a historical monument, former property of the Dukes of Luynes since 1657, this jewel of the Chevreuse Valley has been undergoing a pharaonic restoration project since 2020.

During her presentation to local elected officials and government officials, Rashida Dati addressed the pressing issue of preventative archaeology, which requires systematic excavation before a project begins.

Dampier Castle presented as a ‘case study’

The (untitled) mayor of Dampier, Valerie Palmer, has just praised the “patience and courage” of entrepreneur Frankie Mullier, owner of the castle since 2018, who has invested €100 million in acquiring and renovating the estate while “facing an obstacle course.” “Dampier Castle is an exemplary example in terms of heritage conservation and urban planning regulations,” the mayor stressed: How does France support private individuals who use their wealth for the benefit of restoration? There is a protocol that deserves to be simplified.”

Rashida Dati followed suit, announcing the introduction of “new legislation, soon adapted to older buildings, which will simplify the protocol and adapt the standards.” The minister then dared this comparison: “I defend the architects of Bâtiments de France. They are our protectors from ugly France, and I sometimes compare them to tax inspectors. But when it comes to preventive searches, exceptions are always possible. »

She added this line that made the archaeologists who signed the open letter jump: “You shouldn’t dig for fun… otherwise you won’t charge. In any case, there will be compensation from the state. I prefer to invest money in restoring heritage rather than digging a hole for the sake of a hole. »

“Open and frontal attack”

“In short, you decided to undermine the work of archaeologists,” write the authors of the letter. We perceive your words as an open and frontal attack on the protection of archaeological heritage.”

Referring to the mission of preserving the archaeological heritage “enshrined in French law since 1945.” […] and the European Convention for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, to which France has signed since 1992,” they believe that the minister’s declaration “disdains the people and in particular the developers who, for 23 years, have integrated costs and procedures into their project.

“On average, only 10% of received files are subject to diagnostic requirements,” the signatories specify. No, definitely not, we don’t dig for fun and we don’t dig holes for the sake of holes.” The conclusion of the open letter is straightforward: “Madam Minister, less than three months after your appointment, you have already lost our respect.”