In which cities can one invest with the Malraux device?

The Malraux system is specifically designed to encourage the renovation of historical and architectural heritage. This means that not all goods are eligible: only goods located in protected or classified areas can benefit from the Malraux tax reduction. But what are these areas and which cities allow for investment?

The eligible areas

Saved sectors
These are historic districts where the preservation of ancient architecture is a priority. In these areas, any renovation must be supervised by an architect from the Bâtiments de France. Examples: certain districts of the Marais in Paris, Old Lyon or the old town of Bordeaux.

Zones de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural, Urbain et Paysager (ZPPAUP / AVAP)
These zones cover areas where the architectural heritage has a particular historical or aesthetic value. They often encompass city centers or ancient villages, and sometimes include classified monuments.

Cities where the Malraux is popular

The Malraux is very attractive in large historic cities, but it is also available in medium-sized and small towns if they have protected areas. Here are some examples:

Paris: the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter.

Lyon: Old Lyon, Croix-Rousse.

Bordeaux: historic districts like Saint-Pierre or Saint-Michel.

Marseille: Le Panier and the ancient center.

Strasbourg: the Petite France and the classified areas around the cathedral.

But one should not overlook the medium-sized cities that have set up protection zones: La Rochelle, Dijon, Rouen, and Nantes also have eligible neighborhoods. These cities sometimes offer higher rental profitability than large metropolises, with more affordable acquisition prices.

Why location is crucial

Investing in a city eligible for Malraux is not only a tax issue: the sector where the property is located strongly impacts its future valuation and rental demand. The central or tourist districts guarantee a high rental demand, whether long-term or seasonal.

Tips for the investor

Check the exact eligibility of the property with the town hall and the architect of the Bâtiments de France.

Analyze the local rental market to ensure that the property will be rented quickly after renovation.

Prioritize properties in areas with high tourist or cultural attractiveness.

In summary, the Malraux scheme allows investment in properties located in historic cities and protected neighborhoods, with interesting heritage and tax prospects. The choice of city and neighborhood is decisive for optimizing tax reduction and rental profitability.