Le Figaro Nantes
If all goes as planned, the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral in Nantes should partially reopen in 2024. Before a full reopening between 2026 and 2028. This Wednesday, a “relay” hearing relating to the arson of the building was held at the court of Nantes.
On this occasion, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) of Pays de la Loire spoke about the progress of the work on the building which had burned down on July 18, 2020.
For nearly a year now, lead pollution control treatments have been underway.
“
During the fire
, the lead pipes of the organ in the gallery melted.
With the merger, it turned into steam and it spread throughout the cathedral
, ”explains to
Figaro
Anne-Marie Chepeau-Malhaire, engineer of cultural services and heritage at the DRAC des Pays de la Loire.
Normally, this cleaning should have ended in September, but a higher lead rate than expected was recorded, at the level of the nave, the vaults of the nave and the transept, sometimes reaching 110,000 micrograms per m² (µg/m²
) .
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“
We couldn't bring it down during the first aspiration.
The lead levels, which normally should not exceed 1000 µg/m², were still above.
We passed endorsements to the companies to make a second aspiration
, ”continues the engineer in charge of the file.
This setback also increased the depollution bill by €600,000.
This now amounts to 3.2 million euros, against 2.6 initially.
The total cost of the work, borne by the State, represents 24 million euros.
Currently, the lead rate is down.
All that remains is to clean up the soil.
This part of the project should be finished on February 10.
However, the accumulated delay does not prevent the continuation of the projects.
A new power grid
From January 5, the restoration of the choir organ and the creation of its console which had burned down, will be undertaken.
In March, "
the tomb of François II and Marguerite de Foix is laid down to free up space in the south arm of the transept
".
Before their rehabilitation in the workshop a month later.
At the same time, work on the heart and the south arm will begin.
Then will come the time to rebuild the electrical network.
“
The fire completely destroyed the electric wires which melted
”, recalls Anne-Marie Chepeau-Malhaire.
At the same time, the anti-intrusion security system and complete fire safety equipment will be extended to the entire cathedral.
Previously, they were only for crypts.
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Finally, in 2025, the organ in the gallery, 95% destroyed, will be restored.
Just like the large glass roof on which were painted Marguerite de Foix and Anne of Brittany, accompanied by their patron saint.
"
There will be a competition to reinvent everything
," says the specialist.
Details will be provided a little later.
Thus, this renovation of the western massif will continue even though the cathedral will have already reopened its doors.
Offices are also expected to resume at the end of 2024.
Until then, the curious will have the opportunity to have a first glimpse of the interior, during the Heritage Days of 2023. Visits should be organized.
The interior of Nantes Cathedral, December 29, 2022. DRAC Pays de la Loire