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Parterns : The project for a Cultural and Touristic site dedicated to the Renoirs was first outlined in 2001, spurred on by the Conseil Général, especially by M.r Michel Roche, Vice-chairman in charge of tourism, and by the late M. Bernard Lanter, chairman of the Comité départemental du tourisme. Since then, the Conseil Général and the Comité départemental du tourisme have always been supporting the town of Essoyes, showing efficiency when dealing with administrative, touristic and financial matters. The Champagne-Ardenne Region followed and started regularly supporting the project the same way. The Comité Régional du Tourisme took part in the work on a regular basis. The government chose this project and labelled it “Pôle d’Excellence Rurale” (Rural Excellence Project) within the scope of a project appeal. The project received a financial aid after the selection. The European Union joined in and also supported us. The Pays Barséquanais, which carried the project forward together with the town council, has been a precious intermediary in dealing with the local, state and regional authorities since the beginning. Therefore it is a watchful and efficient architect for the Project. The Caisse d’Epargne bank organised a competition on communication and accepted this project. It now offers financial aids to help with putting signs up. Thanks to their advice, the Musée d’Orsay was very helpful. “Maître du rêve” is a cultural engineering agency which carried out prior studies and assisted the contracting client; it has worked together with the council of Essoyes since the start of the project. A coordination committee, made up of state, regional, Comité Régional du Tourisme, Conseil Général, Comité Départemental du Tourisme, local associations (including the Renoir Association) representatives and of members of the town council, closely followed the project progress. Sophie Renoir, the painter’s great granddaughter, saw to it that everything was running smoothly and that the historic and cultural truth was respected.