Four years after Storm Alex ravaged the Roya, Tinée, Vésubie, and Moyen Var valleys, several historic sites in Marie and Venanson have been restored and reopened, thanks in part to donations made by the Principality of Monaco. Prince Albert II was present at the ceremonies celebrating their restoration.
On Tuesday 5th November, Prince Albert II travelled north of the Principality to the picturesque valley regions of the Alpes-Maritimes to mark the completion of restoration work on several historic monuments.
Set amidst the beautiful mountain landscape, the 16th-century Saint-Pons Church and Presbytery in Marie, and the iconic bell tower of the Saint-Michel Church in Venanson—both extensively damaged by Storm Alex in October 2020—have been meticulously restored for future generations. The restoration works were made possible thanks to donations of €24,000 and €23,000, respectively, made by the Monaco Government.
“It is with emotion that we gather today to mark a significant moment,” said Prince Albert in a speech. “I would like to salute the joint work of all those who contributed to the restoration, breathing new life into this place of worship and gathering: the services of the prefecture, the municipality, the Fondation du Patrimoine, and the craftspeople.”
The events in Marie and Venanson were also attended by the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Moutouh, the mayors of Marie and Venanson, and community members, who celebrated the renovations as both a symbol of their regained heritage and a step toward healing from the tragic legacy left by Storm Alex.
“This Tuesday 5th November 2024, is a historic date for Marie in two ways,” said Gérard Steppel, the mayor of Marie. “It is the first time in its history that the commune has welcomed a Head of State. Moreover, the commune is a former stronghold of the Grimaldi family and, therefore, has very old links with the Princely family.”
The sentiment was echoed by the mayor of Venanson, Loetitia Loré, who added, “In October 2020, Storm Alex unleashed catastrophic destruction across the Roya, Tinée, Vésubie, and Moyen Var valleys, damaging numerous historical sites and leaving lasting scars on the area. Prince Albert and the Principality stepped in almost immediately, providing critical support to residents while also vowing to safeguard the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.”
The Monegasque Government and the Fondation du Patrimoine formalised a €3 million initiative in October 2021 to restore the valleys’ historical landmarks. This agreement, championed by Prince Albert, is part of Monaco’s commitment to preserving its cultural ties with France.
Since then, over 30 projects have been supported by the fund, each dedicated to safeguarding, restoring, and revitalising the area’s cultural heritage. The Fondation du Patrimoine has spearheaded this effort, managing each project from conception to completion.
The inauguration of these restorations not only celebrates the resilience of these historic buildings but also highlights the solidarity and shared history that connect the people of Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes.
To see more photographs of Prince Albert’s visit, click on the images below:
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Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco