The Crédit Agricole ? Pays de France Foundation is helping rebuild Notre-Dame

The Crédit Agricole group, a longstanding corporate sponsor of the Ministry of Culture and its operators, was keen to contribute to the restoration of this architectural masterpiece that stands as a memorial to France’s history.

This exceptional support is in keeping with the Foundation’s and the Group’s long-term support for the conservation and influence of France’s cultural heritage. On 15 October 2019, Culture Minister Franck Riester signed the sponsorship agreement with Philippe Brassac, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole S.A.

The restoration phase is due to kick off in 2021

In 2020, the focus is still on making Notre-Dame safe and strengthening the structure. The priority over the next few months is to dismantle the fire-damaged scaffolding, clean the vaults, diagnose the cathedral’s health and study restoration options. Only after these steps have been completed, sometime in 2021, will the cathedral’s restoration be able to begin.

Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, Director of Communications, Cultural Mediation and Development at the public establishment responsible for the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame:

“The fire at Notre-Dame cathedral triggered an unprecedented surge of generosity and support from both France and abroad. The President of France launched a national fundraising drive on the evening of the fire, and staff at the Ministry of Culture have been working alongside the Fondation du patrimoine, the Fondation de France, the Fondation Notre-Dame and the Centre des monuments nationaux to coordinate this exceptional fundraising effort. ”

Dominique Lefebvre, Chairman of Fédération Nationale du Crédit Agricole, Chairman of Crédit Agricole S.A. and Director of the Crédit Agricole ? Pays de France Foundation:

“We were particularly touched by this event, and our support was, first and foremost, an expression of solidarity and responsibility. Together with all our Regional Banks, the entire Group immediately swung into action, without hesitation.”

Philippe Brassac, Chief Executive of Crédit Agricole S.A. and Director of the Crédit Agricole ? Pays de France Foundation:

“As a staunch supporter of local initiatives all over France, Crédit Agricole has a duty to stand up and be counted, including at difficult times. That’s why the Group’s entities collectively mobilised the day after the fire, ultimately raising €5 million, of which €2.5 million came from Crédit Agricole S.A., €1 million from the Ile-de-France Regional Bank and the rest from the other 38 Regional Banks.”

Étienne de Magnitot, Chairman of Crédit Agricole d’Ile-de-France and of the Crédit Agricole d’Ile-de-France corporate sponsorship fund:

“Our Regional Bank is a major corporate sponsor of the Ile-de-France region’s heritage through its Crédit Agricole d?Ile-de-France corporate sponsorship fund. We are also committed to supporting the transmission of valuable skills to young conservationists and restorers – something for which the Notre-Dame project will provide ample opportunities. We have a responsibility to our region, and this support is a concrete example of how we put that responsibility into practice.”

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