The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes is preparing to reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after five years of work following thefire that severely damaged the building in July 2020. Announcing the reopening date was the Diocese of Nantes during a press conference yesterday. Closed for a five-year period, the Gothic cathedral, one of the most beautiful in France, is thus regaining its liturgical function and its role as an emblematic place of Nantes and French heritage, although construction work is not yet fully completed and will continue until 2028.
This reopening, long awaited by worshippers, residents, and visitors, was made possible by a joint decision of the main institutional partners: the state, which owns and is responsible for the work on the monument, the City of Nantes, the Bishopric, and the Loire Atlantique Fire and Rescue Departmental Service. All agreed on the need to restore the cathedral by September 2025, despite ongoing work on parts of the building. Among the most significant operations already completed is the complete decontamination of the building, essential after the fire that released soot and toxic particles. The south arm of the transept and the choir have also undergone a thorough restoration, restoring beauty and architectural clarity to these spaces. At the same time, all facilities were renovated to ensure the safety, modernity and durability of the building. These less visible but essential technical interventions concern in particular the electrical systems, heating and ventilation systems, and safety equipment.
During this project, archaeological excavations were also conducted inside the building, shedding new light on its ancient history. This research uncovered the foundations of the ancient nave and several tombs, revelations that enrich our knowledge of the site and its evolution over the centuries. These discoveries demonstrate how historic monument restoration projects are not limited to preservation, but also provide valuable opportunities for research and scientific dissemination.
Financially, the commitment is commensurate with the importance of the monument. The French government, the sole funder of the project, is allocating a total budget of 32 million euros. By the reopening, scheduled for September 2025, 20.9 million euros will have already been invested in restoring and securing the cathedral. This commitment demonstrates the building’s central role in the national heritage and the public’s willingness to ensure its long-term preservation.
Although the church may reopen, specific organization of the construction site will be required, which must continue in parallel with the turnout. The most damaged part, the western section, will remain under restoration for several years. The facade, directly affected by the fire, is now the focus of most of the work. It requires the almost complete replacement of the stones, a complex and meticulous operation. To protect the monument and secure the site, a massive 41-meter-high scaffolding was installed. To mitigate the visual impact and offer passersby a positive image of the cathedral, a monumental cloth reproducing the design of the facade was designed by artist Christophe Cuzin. This graphic work completely covers the metal structure, giving the site a temporary identity that interacts with historical heritage and contemporary art. During this phase, access to the building will be through the side portals of the aisles, redesigned to accommodate the public.
Some important elements of the cathedral will be subject to a specific construction program. This is the case of the future stained glass window, which will replace the one destroyed in the fire, and the gallery organ, an instrument emblematic of the building’s musical and liturgical life that was destroyed during the fire. Their design and installation will require specific creative and implementation timeframes, separate from those for the 2025 reopening. These elements will ultimately contribute to the restoration of the artistic and aural integrity of the cathedral.
The September 27 reopening will not only represent a technical milestone in a major project. It will take the form of a highly symbolic event, celebrated with a special ceremony attended by authorities, workers, residents and the faithful. The festivities, scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28, will include activities for the general public, marking this moment as a celebration of rebirth. Nantes Cathedral, damaged by fire but reborn thanks in part to collective determination, will once again become a vibrant place of spiritual, cultural and historical significance.
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| Nantes Cathedral reopens five years after fire |
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