Stéphane Bern criticizes Emmanuel Macron's decision to install new stained glass windows at Notre-Dame

CULTURE – The subject annoys him deeply. Stéphane Bern does not understand the decision of Emmanuel Macron and the Archbishop of Paris Mgr Laurent Ulrich to replace six stained glass windows of Notre-Dame Cathedral dating from the 19th century… with contemporary stained glass windows. These works, designed by the artist Claire Tabouret, one of the most recognized figures in contemporary Art, must be installed by the end of 2026.

“I have nothing against Claire Tabouret or contemporary stained glass windows. There are some at Chartres Cathedral (Eure-et-Loir) and I took part in the collection. But I am in favor of them when the old ones are destroyed or deteriorated,” explained in a long interview with West France the presenter passionate about French history and heritage.

Stéphane Bern does not fail to point out that these stained glass windows are classified as historic monuments, and as such are subject to the greatest protection in terms of heritage conservation. For him, replacing these historic works raises questions about preserving the authenticity and integrity of the cathedral, a strong symbol of French heritage.

“Just because the President wants it?” »

“Why does the State free itself from the rules it imposes on others? Just because the President wants it? »rails the host. “The President, I spend my time saying what I think – and not only good things – about his decisions,” he also admits a little later in the interview.

The committed host, who closely followed the renovation of the cathedral and its reopening in December, is particularly outraged by the cost of these stained glass windows, 4 million euros, which he considers unsuitable in times of budget crisis .

However, “we are not close to seeing these stained glass windows”he says, clinging to the unfavorable opinion of the National Commission for Heritage and Architecture. However, this opinion remains advisory. In the past, this commission had, for example, opposed the Louvre pyramid or the Buren columns at the Palais Royal.

A petition against the stained glass windows in question

Stéphane Bern is not the only one to oppose this project of contemporary stained glass windows, colorful and, for the most part, composed of floral and geometric motifs. Many heritage defenders have signed a petition initiated by Didier Rykner, director of the La Tribune de l'Art site, who emphasizes that the old stained glass windows were not damaged by the fire. The petition has already collected more than 248,000 signatures.

The Sites & Monuments heritage defense association has also declared that it intends to take legal action, which can only take place once the work authorization, equivalent to a building permit, has been filed. “These stained glass windows are important for architecture and will disappear while, in the north and south belfries, there are white windows (non-decorative and recent) which could accommodate contemporary stained glass windows”argued Julien Lacaze, president of this association.

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