Overview
- The gilded Virgin and Child atop Notre‑Dame de la Garde was officially revealed on December 7 after months of work that kept the landmark under scaffolding.
- Several thousand people joined a citywide celebration that began with a mass at Saint‑Victor led by Cardinal Jean‑Marc Aveline and continued with a procession up to the basilica.
- A large sound‑and‑light show created by producer Michael Canitrot blended electronic and orchestral music and featured soprano Melody Louledjian with a children’s choir.
- Conservators applied tens of thousands of gold leaves, and the statue’s crown was reinstalled by helicopter in October on the 11‑meter figure overlooking the city visited by over two million people each year.
- Project costs are reported at about €2.8 million, financed by broad public donations alongside support from local authorities, and officials say heritage listing is now expected subject to diocesan approval.