Planning permission was granted in August 2022 for the renovation of the former Mairie and the creation of a Ménerbes Heritage Museum in the ruined adjoining building.
We had nothing against the very principle of this project, even though its financing and the cost of running it are likely to put a strain on the commune's finances.

The proposed façade was surprisingly contemporary, despite the fact that this building is listed as a remarkable building in the SPR regulations, in the category of ‘listed’ buildings, which means that any work must be carried out ‘in a spirit of conservation and restoration with reference to the architecture of the building's period’ and under the supervision of the Architectes des Bâtiments de France.

An appeal was lodged on the grounds of non-compliance with this text (Article A.1 of the SPR) and also with Article A.5.4 of the SPR, which states that: ‘any alteration to the facade other than to restore it to its original state is prohibited on remarkable buildings’.

However, all these articles were written in bold in the regulations, which corresponds to a prescription (obligation). See all the rules that were not respected.

The ABF were at work, based on the so-called principle that you can't build in 2023 in the same way as you would have done in 1850, in defiance of current legislation.

In May 2025, the Administrative Court of Nîmes ruled in our favor and ordered the City Council to file an amended building permit within six months.

An amended building permit was issued, but since the City Council failed to convince the judge regarding the modifications made to the west facade overlooking the historic square, the judge simply annulled the building permit and its amendment by a ruling dated March 17, 2026.

We therefore find ourselves in a situation where a public building financed by public funds has no legal standing!
We are counting on the new mayor’s common sense and commitment to his promises to ensure that stylistic modifications are made to the famous west facade.

Our association has obtained the support of Yves Rousset Rouard, former Mayor of Ménerbes for 19 years, and still President of the Dora Maar cultural centre (letter attached).