As the contracting authority, the CMN decides upon the overarching framework of site works projects and secures their funding, sometimes with the assistance of benefactors or partner institutions.

When the CMN schedules substantial restoration works on a monument, it commissions a survey from the Public Works Project Manager, who is the Chief Architect for Historical Monuments of the region concerned. Once the survey has been carried out and approved, the CMN requests a works project proposal from the Chief Architect. The purpose of this document, which is drawn up over several months, is to structure every aspect of the forthcoming site works, enabling the Public Works Project Manager to start consultations with companies, contract section by contract section.

Once the services of companies have been retained, the CMN enters into a contract with them so that they can begin the site works.

The Public Works Project Manager, the orchestral conductor of the works, oversees their smooth running through to completion.

On occasion, when the works are particularly extensive, they are undertaken in several phases.