Abstract
Abstract: e concept of heritage is linked to the notion of territorial development, a tool promoting the development of a territorial community. Not only does this claim need to be con rmed, but it seems above all to highlight a major paradox in our societies. is assertion is in fact based initially on something le unsaid: territorial development brings economic development; yet, one can think of few other functions which, in terms of appeal (residential or touristic), attraction of substantial value-added activities, play a role which is important yet remains indirect from an economic perspective. Indeed, at a secondary level, heritage is undoubtedly economically beneficial, in particular through tourism and leisure activities. But, directly, once all the social costs it generates are taken into account, the fact remains that the return on investment is rather poor. We therefore suggest that the territorial value of heritage must be considered in two other complementary congurations that would justify what may, at rst glance, appear to be a waste or a lavish expenditure: rstly, the creation of a territorial ideology. is concept seeks to take into account the various dimensions of the role played by the collective rhetoric in harmonising the territory. Moreover, this discursive dimension is also a major governance tool that provides coherence to territory structuring policies: heritage is the subject of lively debates, foster the development of a territorial identity and justify other actions that emerge from the planning of these spaces.