Launch of a subscription for the vast restoration project of the Val-d'Oise cathedral

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The project promises to be large-scale. It aims to take over the vaults, the choir, the facades, five chapels for a cost now revised upwards and estimated at 15 million euros.

It is for this reason that a public subscription will be launched to support the restoration operation of Pontoise Cathedral (Val-d'Oise).

The online donation collection system will be operational on November 24, 2024, on the website of the Heritage Foundation.

For 20 years

Since 2004, the City has initiated a multi-year restoration plan. The square, the apse facade, the south facade, and north facade, the staircase leading to the organ and the stained glass windows have been renovated.

The last major works date back to 2018. A repair of the roofs and frames, for a cost of 1.2 million euros, financed by the municipality, subsidies from the Drac (Regional Directorate of State Cultural Affairs), the Region and the Department.

Because the municipality cannot alone assume the maintenance of the monument, classified in 1840 and remaining part of the commune, despite the religious building becoming a cathedral during the creation of the bishopric of Val-d'Oise in 1966.

A commitment from the State was already made on May 24. A presentation of the operation was made on Tuesday November 5, 2024, during an “inventory” visit to the monument.

Essential work

“We are in a large-scale restoration program, both of buildings and works,” explains Pauline Prévot, architecture and heritage coordinator for the City of Pontoise.

“Instead of doing things little by little, we are going to initiate a multi-year plan with a financial commitment which will allow the essential work to be staggered. »

The City plans to carry out the restoration, one after the other, of five chapels on the north side of the church. A project which should last seven years.

One of the examples of restoration work to be carried out is the renovation of the Renaissance chapel known as the Passion and its 16th century works.

“It is an artistic and historical space, made up of objects and architecture which will make a restoration complex,” specifies the municipal manager, however, about this part of the church which will be the subject of restoration. special attention.

An altar, paintings, an antependium (decorative canvas element), so many elements that need to be restored in addition to the interior and exterior walls.

“A major project”, recognizes Pauline Prévot, but which does not yet understand the sculptures of the remarkable sepulcher and the 16th century stained glass window.^e century.

The technical services for buildings and the heritage service for objects and furniture are already on deck.

Works will have to be deposited and stored in a place suitable for their conservation.

The first subscription operation should make it possible to begin work in the Chapel of the Passion.

“It will be a visual witness to the work underway and which should further encourage the public to contribute to the restoration of the church,” hopes Pauline Prévot.

Subsequently, the town hall hopes to continue its work program on the south wing of the cathedral and take over the high altar.

The organ will also be performed. A study will also be launched for its possible restoration in five years.

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