In Amboise, a castle wall risks collapsing, 80 people evacuated for at least three months

"There is a risk of the wall collapsing and the mass of materials located behind it to the south-east of the castle esplanade sliding," announced the prefect of Indre-et-Loire, Thomas Campeaux, during an information meeting.

"Three months is the period that is reasonably envisaged for carrying out the work," he added.

On Friday afternoon, the 80 people living on rue Victor Hugo, at the foot of the castle, were evacuated by the municipal police because the south-eastern rampart of the monument had cracks with "a serious risk of ruin", according to the town hall, which had taken an imminent danger order as a precaution.

After the visit on Saturday of an expert appointed by the administrative court of Orleans, the situation deteriorated.

"This risk means that we cannot allow people to access their homes, even for a few moments, to collect personal belongings. It is also not possible to re-enter homes in the near future," added Mr Campeaux.

Excavation and securing of the exposed masonry will be carried out over a month. This will be preceded by an observation period to check that no new movement occurs and consolidation measures will then be carried out.

"3.000 m3 of earth and stones risk falling on the private and public domain below the castle and rue Victor Hugo," said Etienne Barthelemy, chief architect of historic monuments.

However, he said he was "very confident that the residents" concerned "will be able to return home in a few weeks".

Marc Métay, director of the royal castle of Amboise, owned by the Saint-Louis Foundation, spoke of an "exceptional situation".

According to him, "the rainfall, 30% higher than the same period in 2024, has made things much worse."

Access to the castle remains possible and visits are maintained, only a "perimeter has been set up around the area concerned".

People who do not have alternative accommodation are currently staying in hotels in the municipality.