The French are once again called to vote for their favorite monument. The 2026 edition, still hosted by Stéphane Bern, officially opened its votes on May 5. In total, 14 monuments will be in competition.
The countdown has been on since May 5: votes for the French people’s favorite Monument 2026 are officially open (until May 22). For this new edition of the competition, under the leadership of the heritage specialist host, Stéphane Bern – who has his own favorite monument -, 28 sites were preselected, two per region. But, in the end, there will only be 14 left from which to decide the winner.
The final verdict will be announced during the 43rd European Heritage Days, on September 19 and 20. Among the favorites, you have to look towards the East of France… Indeed, in the Grand-Est region, two monuments face each other: the Wesserling Park, located in Husseren-Wesserling in the Haut-Rhin, and the Metz station in Moselle.
The first was created in the 17th century and is today recognized as one of the most important industrial heritage sites in France. Although it had to close its doors to the public in 2003 for intensive renovations, it now houses some 17 hectares of garden and the famous textile museum.
Opposite it, the Metz station – a monumental building which extends over more than three hundred meters – which is a possible favorite. Built at the very beginning of the 20th century, during the annexation of Moselle and Alsace by Germany, it was the terminus of the strategic railway line between Berlin and Metz. Very rich in medieval and Germanic ornamentation, it therefore initially played a propaganda role for the German Empire.
This so-called military station – one of the only ones of its kind in France – has already been voted the most beautiful station in France on several occasions: in 2017, 2018 and 2021. It had also already been part of the preselection for the Favorite Monument of the French in 2023, but it was ultimately the castle of Sedan which represented the region. And who even ended up winning the famous competition. This year, Metz station intends to take its revenge! Final verdict next September.
