Belleville-en-Beaujolais Abbey Wins 2026 Rhône-Alpes Public Prize

With 3,881 votes, the edifice secures €30,000 for its interior restoration project.

Generic image of a historic stone church facade with a bell tower, illuminated by afternoon sun.
AI

Generic image of a historic stone church facade with a bell tower, illuminated by afternoon sun.

The Notre-Dame Abbey of Belleville-en-Beaujolais has won the first prize in the 2026 Rhône-Alpes Public Choice Award, organized by the Fondation du patrimoine. With 3,881 votes, it receives €30,000 to support its interior restoration project.

The religious building surpassed other heritage projects in the region during this 2026 edition, which recorded a total of 15,922 votes between October 19 and November 1. The mobilization of residents and heritage enthusiasts was crucial in elevating the Abbey to first place.
The podium is completed by Alpes Vivantes (Haute-Savoie), which receives €20,000 with 3,073 votes, and La Halle de La Mure (Isère), which obtains €10,000 with 2,144 votes.
The City of Belleville-en-Beaujolais expressed its sincere thanks to all participants, emphasizing that this distinction is a collective recognition of the attachment to the Abbey and its history.
The €30,000 grant will provide concrete support for the interior restoration project of the Notre-Dame Abbey. The planned works include the 19th-century murals, altars, stained glass windows, paintings, as well as essential interventions on heating, electricity, lighting, and fire safety.
Built in the 12th century and classified as a Historic Monument since 1862, the Abbey is a major element of Belleville-en-Beaujolais' heritage. This award contributes to the preservation of this remarkable edifice for future generations.
Based on information from the official source: Mairie de Belleville-en-Beaujolais (03/11/2026)