The steering committee (COPIL) dedicated to the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption cathedral of Montauban in Tarn-et-Garonne was brought together by the prefect.
On Tuesday, October 29, the prefect of Tarn-et-Garonne, Vincent Roberti, and the regional director of cultural affairs (DRAC) Occitanie, Michel Roussel, brought together in the prefecture of Montauban the steering committee (COPIL) dedicated to Notre Dame Cathedral. -Lady of the Assumption. The mayor of Montauban and the bishop were also present, emphasizing the importance of this heritage project for the city and the local Catholic community.
Montauban Cathedral, listed as historic heritage and state property, has been closed to the public since the fall of 2020 due to structural problems. The appearance of cracks in the nave and side chapels had raised concerns about the safety of the site, leading to a prefectural closure order. Following two assessments carried out in 2020 and 2021 under the direction of the Montauban judicial court and the Toulouse administrative court, a report published in 2023 concluded that stabilization and support work was necessary before any reopening.
A restoration project under high expertise
In 2023, the DRAC Occitanie entrusted the project management of this operation to the Operator of Heritage and Cultural Real Estate Projects (OPPIC), while the project management is led by Pierre-Yves Caillault, architect in head of historic monuments, accompanied by a design office specializing in structures. These experts' mission is to design technical solutions allowing the cathedral to regain its solidity and ensure the safety of the faithful and visitors.
The first studies carried out confirmed the importance of the necessary reinforcement works, leading to the development of a forecast schedule in two main phases:
- Project management studies (2025) : the year will be dedicated to in-depth studies aimed at defining the most suitable solutions to consolidate weakened structures.
- First phase of work (mid-2026 to mid-2027) : this phase will consist of strengthening the structures, an essential prerequisite to guarantee the stability of the building and consider a partial reopening.
- Second phase of work (mid-2027 to mid-2028) : the restoration of the building can take place on an open site, allowing a gradual reintegration of religious activities.
A gradual reopening planned, but under conditions
The completion of the first phase of work could allow a partial reopening to the public from mid-2027. However, the complexity of the stabilization work, and in particular the structural reinforcement techniques, could influence the initially planned deadlines. The State, aware of the cultural and religious importance of the cathedral, is committed to taking all necessary measures to guarantee the security of the site and ensure its rehabilitation in the best conditions.
A project supported by local institutions and the State
The meeting of the cathedral COPIL testifies to the particular attention paid to the safeguarding of this heritage. By bringing together local authorities, the State and heritage restoration experts, the project aims not only to restore the cathedral but also to preserve its historical and cultural value for future generations.
The population and the faithful will have to wait a little longer before being able to find the cathedral in its integrity, but this restoration program gives hope for a gradual reopening by 2027, marking a renewal for this emblematic monument of Montauban.
