DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2026.35.7

 

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to examine the preservation of France’s cultural and natural heritage sites within the UNESCO World Heritage List. This issue is highly relevant today due to a number of global threats. Wars, conflicts, armed aggression, fires, urban development that compromises the authenticity of the historical and architectural landscape, and massive tourist flows pose a serious threat to these sites. The inclusion of properties in the UNESCO World Heritage List attracts global attention and mobilizes international efforts to assist in their preservation. 

Research Methodology. The study employs historical-comparative, chronological, and statistical methods. Scientific Novelty. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of France’s cultural and natural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, based on an examination of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, France’s national policies, and UNESCO’s assistance in this area.

Conclusions. The cultural and natural sites of France reflect the country’s historical development, its rich cultural heritage, and the contributions of various eras. The article examines the criteria for inscribing properties on the World Heritage List. Significant attention is paid to highlighting the country’s cooperation with UNESCO, which dates back to 1946 – the year of the Organization’s founding. It also notes the Paris headquarters, designed by an international team of architects. The paper highlights the UNESCO Directors-General who represented France and their contributions to the Organization’s activities. Furthermore, the author analyzes transnational sites that France shares with other countries on the World Heritage List, including Ukraine. It is concluded that international support in heritage protection and active cooperation with UNESCO offer promising prospects for preserving this heritage for future generations.

Keywords: UNESCO, cultural and natural sites, UNESCO World Heritage List, preservation, France.

 

Submitted 04.01.2026

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