Conserving archaeological heritage with INRAP

Constructing the buildings of tomorrow with respect for the past — this is the ambition for the sponsorship agreement signed between Bouygues Travaux Publics and INRAP for a three-year period. A symbol of the relationship of trust created between both partners, this agreement underlines Bouygues Travaux Publics’ long-term commitment to supporting scientific culture and heritage conservation.

Created in 2002, the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP)’s mission is to ensure the detection, protection and conservation of heritage items affected by development works. Via excavations, publications and seminars, it takes part in the teaching and promotion of archaeological culture.

As INRAP’s major sponsor, Bouygues Travaux Publics will provide financial support in organising the Journées Nationales de l’Archéologie, the publication of original, fun and educational editorial content, and the one-off opening of digs to the public.

On a day-to-day basis, INRAP carries out diagnostics on sites scheduled for development by a public or private developer to measure their archaeological potential. INRAP’s work and the way it operates are emblematic of a French approach to preventive archaeology which has been globally emulated.

INRAP has been supported for four years by Bouygues Travaux Publics. During this time INRAP notably carried out all of the digs for the Nîmes-Montpellier rail bypass project where 34 archaeological sites were found in the land acquired for the line. The collection of educational game booklets “Tip Taupe” was also inaugurated in 2014 at this worksite. The booklets aim to educate young children on the importance of preventive archaeology.