The Château de Chambord failing and faltering, the National Assembly rushed to its aid

Inspired by the example of Notre-Dame de Paris, the deputies adopted tax measures aimed at encouraging donations from France.

As part of budget discussions, the National Assembly on Thursday 13 November adopted a measure aimed at encouraging donations to the Château de Chambord, owned by the State since 1930, one of whose wings is weakening and requires major restoration work. “The wings of François I’s castle shook. It’s cracking, it’s going to collapse“, said Deputy Ministry of Home Affairs Erwan Balanant in a hemicycle, defending the amendment which was later adopted by a large majority.

Proposed actionworked perfectly for Notre Dame“, he argued. This consists in increasing the tax exemption on these donations from 66% to 75%, up to a limit of 1,000 euros. This favorable system will be applied only to donations made in 2026, in order to maintain its exceptional character, in accordance with the provisions adopted by the Assembly, which is debating the draft state budget for 2026 in the first reading.

The total cost of work on the Francis I wing, which is currently closed to the public, is estimated at 37 million euros, including 12 million euros for its emergency security alone. A national donation appeal has been launched. “There is a cultural heritage emergency at France’s second most visited castle“, stressed the Minister of Public Accounts Amélie de Montchalin.

“Today, I want to confirm this, two million euros are being provided immediately by the Ministry of Culture at the end of 2025 so that the first emergency and security works can be carried out immediately.“, he added. The minister said he supported the proposed measures.