It’s photographed, Instagrammed, posted, and reposted thousands of times throughout the year. Built on the heights of the village made famous by Brigitte Bardot, the bell tower of Saint-Tropez (Var) is a landmark for its residents. Better, a symbol. However, over the years, it lost its greatness. Crumbling walls, traces of dampness everywhere, as well as yellow and red coverings fading in the sun, the bell tower now looked pathetic.
And to restore the monument’s full brilliance, work could begin, perhaps as early as next week. “We will renovate the facade and maintain the dome which has suffered a lot of damage,” says Milena Annaloro, the cultural heritage architect chosen for this complex restoration project: the first in thirty years.
“The campanile bell, whose iron was badly damaged by the sea breeze, will also be strengthened,” he said. Because the proximity to the sea doesn’t help anything. Humidity and high iodine ambient air accelerate corrosion. This is what was noted by the Heritage Foundation, where fundraising has succeeded in raising 211,000 euros.
“Structural diagnostics indicate advanced corrosion of the campanile elements and the reinforced concrete dome. Even if the stability of the campanile is not immediately threatened, rehabilitation work remains necessary,” said the institute, which is targeting donations of 250,000 euros over time.
The collection launched at the end of last year by the city government continues. It raised 90,000 euros in just one month. “Now, we hope that the main visitors will dig into their pockets because the bell tower of Saint-Tropez deserves it,” said Gérard, a resident of the old center. Every summer, we see the stars and great fortunes pass by. We hope they don’t forget us! »
It’s perfect for a holiday story
Meanwhile, in the city which has returned to calm, mass is still being said at the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption parish church. Access to the bell tower is prohibited and the first scaffolding will be installed to give the building a “fresh look”. “The bell tower is so iconic,” stressed Clara, a teenager from Doubs passing through the peninsula. This is the first thing you see when you arrive in Saint-Tropez by car. Whenever there is sun, it shines from afar. Perfect for holiday stories. »
Built in 1634, the monument suffered terrible bombing during the Second World War and its clockwork was destroyed in 1944, during the Liberation of the village. It was only in 1981 that the bell tower and church were definitively protected by being listed as a Historical Monument.
Therefore, to preserve its heritage, Saint-Tropez needs 400,000 euros. Local authorities were called to the rescue. For several months, the bell tower will be covered and protected so technicians can install the wooden frame, which is intended to support the dome’s shortcomings. This framework will be permanently installed to protect everything from the vagaries of the weather. The project will end in March 2026 and restore the luster of one of the world’s most famous bell towers in spring. Exactly when the season starts again.
