Stéphane Bern elected president of association overseeing Saint-Denis basilica flèche reconstruction

Stéphane Bern, a French television presenter and heritage specialist, was unanimously elected president of the association "Suivez la flèche," which manages the reconstruction of the north tower and the missing flèche of the Basilica of Saint‑Denis. The council of 28 members voted on Friday, ending a dispute with the city's mayor, Bally Bagayoko (LFI), who argued that the mayor traditionally should preside over the project. Bern said his aim is to bring new visibility and attract additional donors to cover the remaining €4‑4.5 million funding gap.

Bern has been involved in the basilica project for more than a decade, previously leading the "Patrimoine en péril" mission since 2017 and serving on the association since its creation in 2016. He stressed that the reconstruction is entering a decisive phase and that his experience can help secure the needed support.