On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the program Le Monument préféré des Français , presented by Stéphane Bern on France 3, crowned the grand winner of this 7ᵉ edition at the end of a competition that highlighted an exceptional wealth of heritage across the country.
France's Favourite Monument: a rigorous selection process
For this 2024 edition, the selection process first took place at regional level, where three monuments were put forward for each region. Voters then had two weeks, from July 12 to 24, to choose their favorite monument. The one with the most votes in each region went through to the grand final, proudly representing its territory. In all, fourteen monuments were selected, corresponding to the thirteen regions of mainland France and one monument from overseas, following a format in place since 2020.
The 10-year-old program echoes the concept of "Le Village préféré des Français". Its aim remains unchanged: to showcase the diversity and richness of cultural, architectural and historical heritage throughout France.
An unexpected coronation in 2024?
Considered first and foremost as a motorsport mecca, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit has become France's Favorite Monument, ahead of a number of strong contenders. It's a surprising choice, given that a motor racing circuit doesn't correspond to the image people have of a monument. Equally appreciated, host Stéphane Bern (elected 28th favorite personality of the French this year), justified the decision by pointing out that heritage is not limited to castles and churches:"The Le Mans circuit is certainly not a monument as such. But it is a popular heritage site, and over a hundred years old (...) Heritage is vast, and the 24 Hours circuit is a perfect illustration of that." (remarks reported by Ouest-France).
The Connaissancesdesarts.com website concurs, noting that the show "highlights the richness of France's cultural, architectural and historical heritage, with over 43,000 buildings listed or classified as Monuments Historiques".
The 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit: a rich history and a constantly evolving site
Behind each monument lies a unique story Inaugurated in 1923 to host the first edition of the 24 Hours Endurance Grand Prix , the circuit was soon renamed the 24 Heures du Mans. Over the years, the track has been modified from 17.262 km to 13.626 km to improve safety.
Above all, this jewel is distinguished by its unique configuration, mixing sections of the Bugatti circuit, used for other events such as the 24 Heures Motos, and portions of departmental roads. These roads are exceptionally closed for test days, practice sessions and the race itself. Its legacy is inseparable from the history of the Sarthe and Pays de la Loire regions, but also from France as a whole, as Pierre Fillon, President of the Association Club de l'Ouest, points out: "an icon of our sport and our region, which welcomed over a million people last year."
New events have been added to the traditional 24 Heures du Mans,
increasing the circuit's popularity. @GPExplorer
Heritage recognition and a commitment to the future
In addition to its rich history, the 24 Heures du Mans circuit is also looking to the future. Aware of environmental issues, the 24 Heures organization has stepped up its efforts to reduce its ecological footprint. The event has obtained ISO 20121 certification and 3-star environmental accreditation from the FIA, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.
The event's facilities are constantly being improved, in particular to better welcome visitors. In anticipation of the centenary in 2023, work has been carried out to facilitate access for the public, who numbered some 329,000 last June. The circuit also continues to upgrade its infrastructure, with modernized stands and a revamped village.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans continues to resonate in the hearts of car and motorcycle enthusiasts alike, and its circuit remains just one example of France's living heritage. Its coronation is proof that it is not just a sporting venue, but also a historical and cultural symbol. In short, it's a recognition of its importance in the French collective imagination, in the same way as the Douai belfry (Hauts-de-France) and the Château de Trévarez (Brittany), which came second and third in the 2024 ranking.
What has been France's favorite monument in previous editions?
Here are the winners for each edition of "Le Monument préféré des Français" awarded:
- 2014: Monastère royal de Brou (Rhône-Alpes)
- 2015 : Belfry of Arras (Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
- 2020: Citadelle and Lion of Belfort (Burgundy-Franche-Comté)
- 2021 : Place Stanislas (Grand Est)
- 2022: Cherbourg transatlantic station and Le Redoutable submarine (Normandy)
- 2023: Sedan castle (Eastern France)
- 2024: 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit (Pays-de-la-Loire)
The 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit succeeds the Château-fort de Sedan in the Ardennes. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit elected in 2024, the road was finally paved!
Photo credits: Le Village préféré des Français
