Hendaye: Restoration work begins on Saint-Vincent church

The work undertaken aims to restore and preserve this major element of Hendaye's heritage for the long term. It will include the renovation of the facade, with the replacement of the exterior plaster to improve the condition of the walls, the restoration of the dressed stone, the treatment of the timber frame, the painting of the eaves, as well as the metal railings and balustrades, and the repair of the stained glass windows' waterproofing.

“Throughout the duration of the construction, access to the church will be maintained, allowing religious services to continue in the building. The Wednesday market will also be held as usual,” the town hall services assure. However, some temporary traffic closures on Place du Jeu de Paume and Rue de l'Église are to be expected. Furthermore, the parking spaces located on Place du Jeu de Paume will be temporarily unavailable for the duration of the work. The second phase, lasting six months, will focus on interior restoration, including the repair of the plasterwork and the restoration of the transept ceiling. The third phase will be dedicated to the restoration of the furnishings.

A collective commitment

The restoration of Saint-Vincent Church is part of a comprehensive approach to enhancing the city's built heritage. The project is supported by the City of Hendaye, the French State, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and the Heritage Foundation. Saint-Vincent Church has also received national recognition by being selected as one of the projects for the 2024 Heritage Lottery.

A fundraising appeal, jointly launched by the City and the Heritage Foundation, began on Tuesday, June 17th. On December 18, 2024, a grant of €220,000 was awarded for this jewel of Basque heritage. Thanks to a collective effort and the commitment of the Heritage Mission led by Stéphane Bern at the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), this restoration project has been able to come to fruition.

The 17th ^- century building has suffered the ravages of time. A witness to local history, it is listed as a historical monument. "This church is not only a place of worship, but a cultural, heritage, and human symbol that embodies the historical identity of the town. It tells the story of Hendaye through its stones, its sculpted elements, its medieval cross with astral motifs, its characteristic galleries, its objects, and in particular a unique plaque linked to the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659," declared Marie de Merlis, departmental delegate of the Heritage Foundation, on June 17. This appeal for donations remains open, inviting everyone to contribute to the preservation of this emblematic building which, for centuries, has watched over the town and its inhabitants.