In the cold, it is difficult for the children of the Glénay school to remain focused during the long minutes of this delicate and perilous operation. This Wednesday morning is an important step in the restoration of this 15th century medieval castle, abandoned for hundreds of years before being acquired in 2012 by the brothers Philippe and Michel Durand with their mother. The restoration project, costly (more than 1.2 million euros), started this summer. It takes on an additional dimension with the laying this Wednesday of the framework of the main tower as well as that of a smaller tower.
– Florent Vautier
It is a large crane, installed Tuesday evening, which is responsible for transporting the frame of the large tower, which weighs nearly 10 tons. It must be strapped in and the weight balanced, to prevent the frame from damaging the structure of the castle once it reaches the top of the tower. A meticulous operation, which takes a total of almost an hour.
Evan, in CM1 at Glénay, is impressed by the maneuver taking place before his eyes: “It’s really good to show us that and above all it’s very technical to handle a crane like that!”. For Michel Durand, one of the co-owners, this is an important moment: “It is very moving because the silhouette of the castle has changed, and even if it is a project considered for a long time, we are in front of the realization!”. And for him it was obvious to invite the children to the site: “We have something that looks more like a house and it is the young people who will have this different memory of the place. It is important that they carry this image with them.”
– Florent Vautier
Next step in January, with the installation of slates on this frame. During the month of December, site visits will be organized.