Biarritz: Airbnb donates 100,000 euros for the restoration of Sainte-Eugénie church

The multinational becomes the first sponsor of the renovation of the Sainte-Eugénie church, which has been closed since March 2023. The total cost of the necessary work has been estimated at 10 million euros.

"Our relationship with Airbnb was initially built in adversity," admitted the mayor of Biarritz on Friday, May 2. The American multinational is preparing to make a donation of 100,000 euros, supervised by the Fondation du Patrimoine, for the restoration of the Sainte Eugénie church. The religious building has been closed since March 2023, after worrying cracks appeared.

"We had meetings with Airbnb at the beginning of the mandate that were cordial and courteous, but in which the City, alongside the Agglomeration, wanted to mark the end of the industrialization of seasonal rentals with tough and severe measures," continues Maider Arosteguy. "Little by little, Airbnb became a partner of the City, in order to help us better control abuses and circumventions of the rules established by the Agglomeration Community."

It is in this context that the tourist accommodation rental platform has committed to the renovation of the building, becoming the first patron to finance part of the work necessary to save it. The approach is part of the donation campaign launched by the City of Biarritz on April 3 .

The Heritage Foundation, which is overseeing this campaign, was created to primarily support rural and unprotected heritage, such as the Biarritz church. Unlike Historic Monuments, it is not eligible for funding from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC).

The cost of the work is colossal, estimated at €10 million, according to a study commissioned by the municipality. "An amount that cannot be borne by the City alone," warned Sébastien Ménard, municipal councilor responsible for heritage, during the city council meeting on Monday, March 31. The first phase, which consists of consolidating the church's foundations and repairing major defects, such as cracked vaults, to make the building safe and stabilize the structure, is expected to cost €4 million.

The donation campaign has raised €29,620 at the time of writing, in addition to Airbnb's €100,000 check.

The company has been a patron of the Fondation du patrimoine since 2022. It has selected 200 projects, most of them in towns with fewer than 3,500 inhabitants. It has contributed €6 million to these various restoration projects. "It's a way to strengthen the attractiveness of these towns and contribute to the vitality of the regions," says Clément Eulry, Airbnb's general manager for France and Benelux. "We are tourism players. This is a long-term investment in the attractiveness of what is now one of our top global destinations: France."

With this first major patronage, the City and the Heritage Foundation hope to inspire other generous donors.

To make a donation, go to fondation-patrimoine.org