
The start of the reconstruction work on the spire is accompanied by another project, that of the Fabrique de la flèche. A new experience that will enrich the tour of the necropolis of the kings and queens of France, opened to the public by the Centre des monuments nationaux, by offering visitors the opportunity to delve behind the scenes of an extraordinary construction site from next September.
A new stage in the reconstruction of the spire: the stonemasons are on site
The Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica, the "big sister" of Notre-Dame, the first masterpiece of Gothic art and necropolis of the kings and queens of France, is home to one of the most monumental heritage projects in France. Using exemplary restoration techniques, artisanal expertise and the transmission of artistic crafts, it is entering a new phase. While the consolidation of the western massif of the basilica was completed before the 2024 Olympic Games, a new phase of the project is beginning. A large scaffolding over 90 meters high is currently being erected. It will allow the various stages of the construction site to be handled throughout the 5 years of reconstruction. In addition, the basilica garden is already echoing with the sounds of the stonemasons who have arrived to begin creating the base of the tower and spire.
For Mathieu Hanotin, mayor of Saint-Denis and president of Follow the Arrow: "It is very moving to hear the stonemasons in the garden of the basilica. The project is coming to fruition, and it is a strong symbol of the rebirth of our territory for all the people of Saint-Denis."
The construction site of the arrow factory will be open for visits in September 2025
The reconstruction of the spire, dismantled nearly two centuries ago, embodies the renewal of this Gothic jewel and a living vision of cultural heritage. Next September, the tour of the royal necropolis of the Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica, managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, will be enhanced by the opening of La Fabrique de la Flèche. This new venue, currently under construction, will offer the public an immersive and innovative experience from next September at the heart of the history and know-how that gave life to the Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica. Designed as a journey through time, this tour offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to discover the behind the scenes of the builders' construction site through interactive devices, projections and mediation spaces led by artisans after having visited the Cathedral Basilica and its crypt.
For Marie Lavandier: "The Centre des monuments nationaux is proud to contribute to this new major step for the Saint-Denis Cathedral Basilica, a symbol of French Gothic art. The upcoming opening of the Fabrique de la Flèche will enrich the tour including the royal necropolis and its 70 sculpted tombs of the kings and queens of France. This ambitious project embodies our commitment to combining conservation, transmission and innovation to share history with all audiences."
Stéphane Bern, a committed sponsor
Stéphane Bern has agreed to commit to this project with a unique social impact that is based on an innovative approach and an exemplary restoration involving 130 craftsmen. This is indeed the project of all firsts: the first heritage restoration project, the first project to use digital modeling of the 15.228 stones needed for the reconstruction and it is also the first project of this scale. Stéphane Bern will notably provide his support to the major stone sponsorship collection organized by the Fondation du patrimoine www.suivezlafleche.com.
For Stéphane Bern: "It is with great emotion that I am associated with this unique project, which represents both a tribute to our past and a promise for future generations. The Fabrique de la Flèche will be a space where we can admire the work of the builders and rewrite history together. I call on everyone to contribute to this true odyssey, through the collection operation organized by the Fondation du patrimoine."