Nantes cathedral which suffered arson attack in 2020 will reopen next year

Nantes cathedral will reopen to the public in September 2025, more than five years after an arson attack caused extensive damage to the building.

The official reopening date of September 28, 2025, has been chosen due to its proximity to the fête de la dédicace (feast of the dedication) on September 30.

This is the date the cathedral was opened to worshippers after its original construction in 1891 (although construction first began in the 15th-century).

“It will be a wonderful celebration when the cathedral doors reopen and the bells ring out,” said the Bishop of Nantes, Laurent Percerou during a recent visit.

Those entering the cathedral will have to use a side door, as restoration works will be taking place on the main entrance, as well as its roof, which is partially made of stained glass.

The roof and door were two of the areas most impacted by the 2020 fire but restoration work on these parts will not begin until 2025.

Funding for the restoration work to the cost of €32 million is being provided by the government, which owns the building.

Arson attack destroyed parts of church

A fire broke out at the cathedral in July 2020, caused by an undocumented Rwandan refugee.

He initially denied involvement but later confessed during subsequent questioning.

The fire caused damage to western portions of the building, including parts of the roof and the main organ.

In 2021, the same man was accused of the murder of a priest in the Vendée department, who was helping house him. 

Read more: Nantes cathedral arson suspect questioned over murder of priest