National treasure of France explained

A national treasure of France is a cultural good of major importance to the heritage of France from the point of view of art, history, or archaeology. It is officially designated as such when a particular good has been the subject of a refusal of an export certificate, which temporarily prevents its exit from the territory of France.^[1]

Criteria

National treasures of France are defined in article L.111-1 of the French heritage code:

• Goods belonging to the collections of museums in France
• Public archives as well as goods classified as historical archives
• Properties classified as historical monuments
• Other goods forming part of the movable public domain (art. L. 2112-1 of the general code of the property of public persons)
• Other properties of major interest for the national heritage from the point of view of history, art, or archaeology

Notes and References

1. Web site: Qu'est-ce qu'un trésor national ?. December 22, 2006. Connaissance des Arts.