Archaeology in the Changing Townscape: The Centre Region in France

After a period of urban development in historic town centres between the 1970s and the 1980s, which resulted in the destruction of many archaeological sites, archaeology has gone from being perceived and experienced as a purely unwanted obligation, to being an integral part of town planning and development. A growing awareness of the environmental and social challenges posed by urban sprawl, vehicle traffic and climate change has started to modify our vision of the town and how it should be developed. One consequence has been a marked increase in the density of urban fabric and the renewal of old town centres, encouraged by government projects designed to improve their appeal. This paper aims to retrace this evolution through the example of the Centre region of France, paying particular attention to Chartres. Through the respective and complementary actions of the state authorities (Ministry of Culture) and the archaeology services belonging to local government authorities (departments and municipalities), this study illustrates the role of archaeology in the urban environment as a means of action for local decision makers, and as a factor that can add high cultural value to local areas through building and strengthening local identities and promoting a scientific and heritage culture.