Currently, the surroundings of Sainte-Croix Cathedral, in the heart of Orléans, are not very inviting.
Cars park or drive at the foot of the venerable walls, which disfigures the view of the apse and hardly encourages the walker to go around the monument.
There are also construction huts which serve as a living base for the restoration work on the cathedral, a glass container, etc.
However, the site, which is among the most visited in the city and the department, deserves much better.
The municipality has therefore decided to make the places more welcoming and announced major works which will result in the removal of parking lots.
The street which passes behind the cathedral will be made pedestrian, with new paving, valleys will be planted with perennials, and a “vegetated fringe” will be installed at the foot of the monument.
2.9 million euros of work
At the entrance to the street, the Café des Beaux-Arts will see its terrace enlarged and beautified.
On the other side, next to the entrance to the underground car park, a solarium and a pergola are planned, and games for children will replace the construction huts which will be moved.
This work program, which will cost 2.9 million euros, also includes the restoration of the Bishop's Palace garden, located right next door.
Part of the rows of lime trees which adorn this garden will be cut down because they are in poor condition and will be replaced by prunus.
The town hall also confirmed on this occasion that this place which hosted open-air festivals until last year;
like Summer Fusion and Hop Pop Hop, in September, would probably no longer be intended to host large-scale events.