Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Orleans (45)
"... Orleans! The tall towers of his cathedral, which stand out in the distance over the blue morning sky, recall the semi-divine legend of this heroic child who saved France, told history, and only got one tomb for her exploits, the poet adds." Travel to Spain, by Paul Monplaisir, no date
Recovery plan
The purpose of the operation is the restoration of the buttoning arches on the southwest side of the south transept, and the stair tower known as the “Snail Tower”, the upper part of which was dismantled by falling stone and protected by a sheet metal cover.
Flying buttresses are thin and slender structures particularly exposed to weather and erosion phenomena. The high level of alteration of the stones observed today requires a comprehensive and complete intervention of the zone, in order to guarantee to these structures their roles of counter-stop of the vaults. In addition, these structures ensure the piping and the drainage of the rainwater of the upper parts.
It will receive €3.4 million in stimulus funding.
The program of the intense activities previews, after the technical installation and the securing of the accesses site, a putting under hanger of the buttresses, for the resumption of the pushings of the vaults. This will be followed by the replacement of the altered elements of the arch keyboards, the mullions, the replacements and the crowning of the arcades. The preserved sidings will be cleaned, covered. The chelae will receive a lead coating. The snail tower will be restored and restored in its upper part.
News from the construction sites
2018-2020...
Restoration work on stained glass windows large narthex windows have been completed.
These photos were taken during the presentation of a specimen of the stained glass window by the designer, before the completion of the project, in the presence of the bishop, ACMH, CRMH, ABF, on November 29, 2018.
As for the presentation of the Treasure of the cathedral in the Saint-Louis chapel, it has been finalized since the end of 2020. The windows have been installed, and they now host the treasure.
The creation of stained glass windows for the transept arms and the realization of the lighting of the chapels are also provided.
With the systematic continuation of the restoration of flying buttresses, the programming of major works should also focus, in the coming years, on the nave covers and its monumental spire, currently in diagnostic study phase.
With this programming, the funds committed for the maintenance, restoration and upgrading of the cathedral should double to €2.50 million per year.
