A heritage in search of rebirth
The “Loto du Patrimoine” is an essential initiative for the preservation of France’s cultural and architectural heritage. For the 2025 edition, the Fondation du Patrimoine has selected 18 emblematic sites across the country, including the Gueydon Fountain in Fort-de-France, Martinique. This structure, built in 1856, is a witness to local history, but has been abandoned for several decades. Thanks to the “Loto du Patrimoine”, a restoration project will restore it to its former glory and revive its role in Martinique’s urban landscape.
A historic symbol of Martinique
The Gueydon Fountain was erected in honor of Louis Henri de Gueydon, Governor of Martinique between 1849 and 1853. At a time when access to drinking water was a major challenge, it represented a major step forward in providing running water from the Case-Navire river. It was once a central meeting point for the inhabitants and a symbol of modernity.
Over time, infrastructure has evolved, relegating the fountain to oblivion. Today, it is plagued by deterioration, with cracked masonry and a neglected frame, requiring urgent restoration to preserve this unique historical legacy.
A restoration project
Restoring the Gueydon Fountain is more than just an aesthetic exercise. It aims to restore it to its rightful place in the public space through the following actions:
- A complete reclamation to restore its original function and embellish the urban setting;
- Meticulous architectural restoration using original techniques and materials to preserve its authenticity;
- The landscaping has been redesigned, with the creation of a convivial square to encourage exchanges and enhance the site.
In addition, bleachers will be installed for cultural and artistic events, transforming the fountain into a genuine living space. The “Loto du Patrimoine” will provide crucial funding to complete this project and restore a key element of Fort-de-France’s urban identity.
A cultural and tourist challenge
The restoration of the Gueydon Fountain is part of a policy to enhance Martinique’s heritage. In addition to bringing a historic site back to life, the project offers a number of advantages:
- Educational interest: the fountain will become a tool for educating Martinique residents and visitors about the island’s history and urban planning.
- Enhanced tourist appeal: by integrating the fountain into heritage circuits, it will become a stopover for tourists wishing to discover the history and architecture of Fort-de-France.
- Economic dynamism: rehabilitation could boost local activity by attracting more visitors and encouraging nearby businesses.
An endangered heritage: we need to mobilize
If the Gueydon Fountain has been selected by the “Loto du Patrimoine”, it’s because it’s one of the most endangered sites in need of urgent intervention. However, safeguarding heritage does not rely solely on institutional funding. The mobilization of local residents and lovers of Martinique’s heritage will be crucial to the success of this project. By taking part in the “Loto du Patrimoine”, you are actively contributing to the rebirth of this witness to the past.
Other sites selected by the Loto du Patrimoine 2025
In addition to the Gueydon Fountain, other emblematic sites have been selected for the 2025 edition:
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes : Collegiate church of Saint-Bonnet-le-Château (Loire)
- Burgundy-Franche-Comté: Collégiale Notre-Dame in Semur-en-Auxois (Côte-d’Or)
- Brittany: Petit Minou lighthouse in Plouzané (Finistère)
- Centre-Val de Loire: Jean Linard’s studio house in Neuvy-Deux-Clochers (Cher)
- Corsica: Saint-Florent Citadel (Haute-Corse)
- Grand Est: “Locotracteur” central workshop in Rombas (Moselle)
- Hauts-de-France: Ferme Nord de Zuydcoote (Nord)
- Île-de-France: Soufflot Nymphée in Chatou (Yvelines)
- Normandy: Château de Logempré in Pont-Saint-Pierre (Eure)
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Notre-Dame-la-Grande collegiate church in Poitiers (Vienne)
- Occitanie: Pont Valentré in Cahors (Lot)
- Pays de la Loire: Théâtre Le Tivoli in Clisson (Loire-Atlantique)
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Jardin Serre de la Madone in Menton (Alpes-Maritimes)
- Guadeloupe: Former Petit-Canal prison
- Martinique: Gueydon Fountain in Fort-de-France
- French Guiana: Building 14 of the former André Bouron hospital in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- La Réunion: Maison Martin-Valliammé in Saint-André
- Mayotte: Chapelle Saint-Michel in Dzaoudzi
A heritage to preserve
The restoration of the Gueydon Fountain thanks to the “Loto du Patrimoine” represents a major opportunity for Martinique. It’s not just a question of safeguarding a piece of the past, but also of breathing new life into the island’s cultural and tourist life. Protecting our heritage is a collective responsibility, and every initiative counts in preserving the traces of our shared history.
By bringing the Gueydon Fountain back to life, a whole part of Martinique’s heritage is reborn, ready to be discovered and admired by future generations.
