Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes to reopen after 2020 Arson

After a five-year restoration period, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes is set to reopen its doors to the public on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The Gothic cathedral, renowned for its beauty, was severely damaged in a devastating fire in July 2020.

The Diocese of Nantes announced the reopening date during a press conference. The cathedral, closed for five years, is now regaining its liturgical function and status as an emblematic symbol of Nantes and French heritage. However, construction work is not yet complete and will continue until 2028.

The highly anticipated reopening was made possible by a collaborative decision among the primary institutional partners: the state, which owns and is responsible for the restoration work, the City of Nantes, the Bishopric, and the Loire Atlantique Fire and Rescue Departmental Service. Despite ongoing work on certain sections of the building, all parties agreed on the necessity of restoring the cathedral by September 2025.

Among the most significant operations already completed is the comprehensive decontamination of the building, crucial following the fire that released soot and toxic particles. The south arm of the transept and the choir have also undergone a thorough restoration, restoring their former splendour and architectural clarity. Simultaneously, all facilities have been renovated to ensure the safety, modernity, and durability of the building. These less visible but essential technical interventions primarily concern the electrical systems, heating and ventilation systems, and safety equipment.

Archaeological excavations conducted within the building during this project shed light on its ancient history. These discoveries revealed the foundations of the ancient nave and several tombs, providing valuable insights into the site’s evolution over the centuries. This demonstrates that historic monument restoration projects offer more than just preservation; they also provide opportunities for research and scientific dissemination.

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.