CROW ROCK AND OUR LADY OF FRANCE STATUE

The Virgin and Child dominates the city and offers it calm, strength and serenity. The colossal statue of Notre-Dame-de-France, made of cast iron, has dominated the town of Le Puy-en-Velay since 1860. This project dates back to 1853 under the direction of Monseigneur de Morlhon, thanks to numerous donations and a national subscription. For the material, 213 cannons taken at the battle of Sebastopol were melted down. Taken from the Russians by General Pélissier, they were given by Napoleon III to the bishop of Puy-en-Velay and melted down at the Prénat establishments in Givors (Rhône). Notre-Dame-de-France was inaugurated on 12 September 1860 in front of 120,000 pilgrims. Its sober brick-red colour is striking. Another peculiarity: she holds the Child in her right arm, whereas it is traditionally in the left, so that he can bless the city with his right hand without hiding the face of his mother. It measures 22.70 meters with the pedestal and weighs 835 tons in total (110 tons for the statue, 680 tons for the stone pedestal and 45 tons for the iron covering). It offers a unique panorama of the cathedral, the city and the region, with an orientation table from its 757 meters of altitude. The ascent, equipped with interpretation panels, is easily accessible on foot and includes rest areas, a fountain, toilets and a souvenir shop. The statue belongs to the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, which is responsible for its maintenance and care.