Reconstruction of the tower and the north spire of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis

The Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, an iconic monument of Gothic architecture and the burial place of the kings and queens of France, has rarely been the focus of so much attention! Its recently restored façade has regained its full splendour, as have the stained-glass windows of its immense south rose window and the chevet. In 2025, a major reconstruction project began to rebuild the tower and the north spire of the façade, which had been dismantled in 1846. 

On 14 March 2025, the foundation stone for the reconstruction was laid, marking the start of a project expected to last five years. The event was attended by the Minister for Culture, the President of the Centre des monuments nationaux, the Bishop of Saint-Denis, the Mayor of Saint-Denis, and Stéphane Bern, the project’s official patron.

For over 170 years, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis has been without its north tower and spire. The spire, which stood 90 metres high, was struck by lightning in 1837, which weakened its structure. Following repairs carried out by the architect François Debret, further storms between 1842 and 1845 ultimately endangered the spire, leading to its demolition in 1846. The dismantling was completed in 1847 under the supervision of the architect Viollet-le-Duc.

Immediately following its demolition, calls for the spire’s reconstruction emerged and sparked numerous debates. It was not until 2015 that the project took a major turn with a visit from the President of the Republic, François Hollande. In 2016, the ‘Suivez la flèche’ association was founded, with the aim of promoting and overseeing the reconstruction of the basilica’s north spire.

In 2018, a framework agreement was signed between the ‘Suivez la flèche’ association, the Ministry of Culture, the Centre des monuments nationaux and the Bishop’s Office. The ‘Suivez la flèche’ association was officially designated as the project manager for the reconstruction.

This reconstruction is funded by the Île-de-France Interdepartmental Solidarity Fund (FS2I), the Île-de-France Region, the Greater Paris Metropolis and private investors. The Fondation du Patrimoine, which is also supporting the project, has launched a crowdfunding campaign based on sponsoring the stones of the future spire. By making a donation, you become a member of the spire community, a sponsor of a stone and the owner of an exclusive digital twin! Find out more

This reconstruction offers a unique opportunity to raise public awareness of the historical and artistic richness of the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis, which houses the tombs of the kings and queens of France. The aim is twofold: on the one hand, to restore the monument’s architectural integrity, which makes it one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture. On the other hand, it aims to promote the skills of the builders whilst fostering a better understanding of the challenges faced by architects.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at an extraordinary building site!

It is through this dual approach that a unique tour allows visitors to explore the royal necropolis and the ‘Fabrique de la flèche’ construction site, situated at the foot of the monument. This new venue offers the public an immersive and innovative experience at the heart of the history and craftsmanship that brought the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis to life.

Designed as a journey through time, this tour offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the builders’ site through interactive displays, projections and educational spaces led by craftspeople.

This new visitor route thus enriches the visitor experience and will reinforce the role of the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis as a place of remembrance and living history.

Find out more about this exceptional project