Architecture and Heritage Enhancement Areas (AVAP): 14 towns and villages already involved
Introduced in 2010, these areas are based on a consensual approach implemented by local politicians and central government to define a “customised” perimeter and a shared framework of recommendations. DRAC Burgundy (Regional Office of Cultural Affairs) may fund up to 50% of the cost of the studies required for their creation.
Modified protection perimeters
They allow for an ad hoc 500-metre adaptation of protection zones round historic monuments, increasing the perimeter in certain places and decreasing it in others.
Creation of a Climats fund for the restoration of small heritage buildings
The fund provides financial assistance in line with proposals from the Climats of Burgundy vineyards Association in partnership with France’s Heritage Foundation (Fondation du Patrimoine), Côte-d’Or General Council (Conseil Général) and the Pays Beaunois. Its aim is to assist the restoration of buildings that are typical of the wine-growing Côte area and “vernacular” heritage buildings such as ancient stone walls, wash houses, bread ovens, dovecotes, wells, shrines and porches. A total of € 90,000 is added to the fund every year.
The hills, corries, forests, limestone grasslands etc. of the Côte area create a biodiversity that brings great variation and individuality to the landscape. To preserve and enhance these features, a number of actions have been developed.
“1930 law” sites
These sites guarantee the long-term preservation of the scenic quality of farmland and the natural environment based on precise regulations that provide a framework for any projects. However, standard maintenance operations are not subject to these rules.
The southern Côte de Beaune has been one of the “1930 law” wine-growing areas for the past 22 years. The same approach is currently being considered in the Côte de Nuits area by nineteen towns and villages. “1930 law” classification may come into effect in 2017, after close consultation with the towns and village and a public enquiry that would enable everybody to express their view of the project.
Regulations on the installation of roadside advertising hoardings and signage
Since 2012, almost 150 illegal advertising hoardings and signs have been removed from the sides of secondary roads between Dijon and Marsannay-la-Côte and between Beaune and Nolay. The operation is being repeated this year on the road between Vougeot and Marsannay-la-Côte.
Wine industry signs at the museum
In compliance with the Grenelle II law on the environment, work began last year to remove signs advertising wines at the entrance to villages. However, as these signs reflect the history of wine advertising, they will be added to the collections owned by the Burgundy wine museum (Musée du vin de Bourgogne) in Beaune.
The notion of “Climat”, which is well-known in wine circles, is nevertheless a complex one that requires explanation by means of media coverage. The aim is to raise awareness, bring about acceptance and provide information on the term itself and on the formalities required for inclusion in the World Heritage list.
Educational tools for teachers and group leaders
History, geography, biology, French, Art….each of these disciplines provides an opportunity to understand and study the Climats of Burgundy. Five educational booklets have been designed for primary and secondary school levels. They have been specially adapted to the national education curriculum and approved by the DSDEN (Directorate of Departmental Services for National Education) and by the Scientific Committee. These educational resources mix theory with practical, fun activities and have been made available free of charge to pupils in 1,300 educational institutions in Burgundy.
A children’s booklet available in bookshops
Designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12, this entertaining, easy-to-read and well-illustrated 24-page booklet describes the history of the Climats, the construction of the Côte’s heritage and landscapes and the work involved in tending vines and making wine. Games, quizzes and a practical guide to sightseeing venues round off this brand new publication.
Find out more about the french booklet
Climats games (french)
A scientific collection for non-specialists
A book and a seminar describing the contributions made by the scientific committee responsible for the Climats’ application.
Climats’ book
Publications and Climats conferences
Book on the history and construction of the Climats, written for the general public
Climats' book
Media events based on the programmes of partner structures within the area
Exhibitions, talks, involvement in special events such as Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), Museum Nights (Nuits des musées) etc.
Organisation of media highlights
Inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list provides a fabulous opportunity to contribute to the area’s vitality and attractiveness. A 10% to 30% rise in tourist numbers is observed in places on the list. To benefit from such advantages, it is essential to increase involvement and understand the management issues.
Free training and increased awareness for full-time staff
The Côte d’Or Chamber of Commerce and Industry and wine-producing bodies such as BIVB (Bourgogne Wine Board), FNEB (Federation of Bourgogne Wine-merchants) and CAVB (Association of Bourgogne winegrowers) are holding meetings to introduce and increase awareness of the UNESCO application. Meetings include an overview of the application, a reminder of the history of the Climats in Burgundy’s wine-producing areas and talks from members of the scientific committee etc. The aim of the meetings is to provide audience members with the information they require to explain the approach to their visitors, whether tourists or clients, and to put the region in the spotlight.
Technical workshops: sharing best practices
Technical seminars have been organised every year since 2012. Attended by more than 200 professionals, elected representatives, experts and relevant technicians, they provide an opportunity for debate and exchange of experiences relative to the day-to-day challenges of managing the Climats of Burgundy. These meetings bring participants together on local, national and international levels to share knowledge and experience, helping all those concerned to coordinate the development and conservation of the site's architecture, environment, tourist industry, land use, economy and mediation.
Download the papers from the 2013 technical workshops (french)
Sponsorship provides vital support
The application for the inscription of the Climats of Burgundy to the World Heritage list is now being backed by 80 ambassador businesses, supporters and major sponsors. This support is of vital importance in the consideration and completion of ambitious projects. It also gives the application certain vibrancy at national and international level. Launched in September 2011, the sponsorship campaign funds more than 50% of actions undertaken.
The most important thing is for everybody to make some sort of contribution to the project. Sponsorship is not only a financial commitment. The aim is to involve the economic world in the application in all its diversity, so that it plays an active role, informing individual networks of the approach and the commitment.
Guillaume d’Angerville, Deputy President of the Association
A mobile app for walkers in the Climats area
Two trails have already been created – one around the Butte de Corton and the other, the hilltop trail (sentier des Crêtes), in Santenay. Two further trails are currently being set up.
Publication of a walking trail map
Special interest walks in preparation
Produced jointly with the scientific committee, the aim is to create walking trails that enable visitors to explore the area and understand, in situ, the history of the construction of the Climats in the Burgundy wine producing area.
Sightseeing trails amid the vineyards and villages
An unusual but consistent way of enhancing heritage sites and the wine-producing countryside in the Côte area by creating original, specific trails in partnership with the Pays Beaunois.
www.cotedor-tourisme.com/bourgogne/label-vignobles-et-découvertes
Introduction of a pricing policy incentive: reductions in the price of transport and tourist products.
Development of complementary methods of transport (intermodality): regional train / bike links (with a project to network cycle hirers), car / train-tram-bike links through the use of park ‘n rides, “accueil vélo” (cycles welcome) accreditation (pending) and the development of cycle trails (Vineyard Trail etc.)
Transversal visitor information, linking transport and places of interest: in September 2014, redesign of maps of railway stations showing all points of interest and means of access.