The North Porch

The restoration of the Honour Porch took place between 2003 and 2008.

The work started in October 2003 with the complete dismantling of the balcony and columns of the porch on the north facade. A considerable amount of work needed to be done on the porch, which was in a very bad state: there were severe structural issues linked to instability of the foundation.

The foundations were completely rebuilt, from scratch. Throughout the year 2004 efforts focused on firming up the foundations.
Some parts in sculpted stone were replaced, in particular the balustrade that was cracked and had come loose. In total about 15 % of the stonework was renewed.

The rebuilding was completed in 2005.
The footbridge on the side of the inner courtyard were restored in 2007.
The last phase of restoration activities on the porch was completed in the spring of 2008.

The restoration was accomplished with help and funding from the DRAC Bourgogne, the Burgundy board of cultural affairs.