Liebherr Cranes Help Complete Notre-Dame’s Resurrection
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1
30-Second Takeaway
Liebherr mobile cranes played a critical role throughout the five-year reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris following the devastating 2019 fire. From early emergency operations to the final installation of the iconic 96-meter spire known as La Flèche, Liebherr cranes operated by French lifting specialists including Montagrues and Dartus Levage supported material handling, restoration of historic stonework, and the cathedral’s final reopening in late 2024.
From Catastrophe to Reconstruction
The fire of 15 April 2019 devastated Notre-Dame de Paris, destroying the entire medieval roof structure and causing the collapse of the crossing tower into the nave. Within hours, the catastrophe became a national and global symbol of cultural loss.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared the cathedral would be rebuilt within five years “Cinq ans!” a promise many initially considered impossible. What followed became one of the most complex heritage reconstruction efforts ever undertaken, mobilizing historians, structural engineers, artisans, foresters, and material scientists from across France
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Among the essential tools enabling this effort were Liebherr mobile cranes, present on site from the earliest stabilization work through the final lifts that restored Notre-Dame’s skyline.
Early Crane Operations Saved Historic Statues
Just days before the fire, a Liebherr mobile construction crane from Foselev had removed the cathedral’s massive statues of the apostles and evangelists from the roof for planned restoration an action that ultimately saved them from destruction.
In December 2019, two Liebherr cranes operated by Montagrues arrived on Île de la Cité to erect the massive construction crane that would dominate the site for years. These early crane operations helped stabilize the structure and enable safe access to the damaged upper sections of the cathedral.
Dartus Levage Takes Over Mobile Crane Operations
Since spring 2022, French crane and transport specialist Dartus Levage has managed mobile crane operations at Notre-Dame. The company deployed multiple Liebherr cranes, including two LTM 1350-6.1 all-terrain cranes, whose long lattice masts stretched across the Paris skyline.
Operating at radii of up to 80 meters, these cranes transported:
Timber beams for the reconstructed oak roof
Stone blocks and architectural elements
Gargoyles, cross flowers, and restored statues
Scaffolding and specialized machinery
Their precision was essential on one of Europe’s most constrained construction sites, bordered by the Seine and surrounded by historic urban infrastructure.
Installing “La Flèche”
The most technically demanding lifts came with the reconstruction of the iconic crossing tower La Flèche. Rising 96 meters, the spire exceeds the height of Notre-Dame’s twin stone towers.
To assemble the upper sections, the northern LTM 1350-6.1 was equipped with a 78-meter luffing lattice jib, enabling lifts at extreme heights while maintaining precise control.
Operators worked in tightly coordinated shifts, often from early morning until late evening.
According to Victor Dartus, managing director of Dartus Levage, up to 14 employees were present on site during peak periods, including operators and chefs de manœuvre responsible for load control and site coordination.
Working in Extreme Constraints
“The spatial conditions here are an absolute challenge,” Dartus explained.“Crane parking areas are extremely limited, and reconfiguring cranes without disrupting ongoing restoration work requires meticulous planning.”
Four-axle 120-ton Liebherr mobile cranes proved especially valuable due to their ability to relocate quickly and operate with VarioBase® and VarioBallast®, allowing flexible setup even in confined areas around the cathedral.
Completion and Reopening
By November 2024, Liebherr cranes had completed their final lifts. Just days later, Notre-Dame reopened in a ceremony attended by international dignitaries marking the conclusion of one of the most ambitious heritage reconstruction projects in modern history.
About Dartus Levage
Dartus Levage is a French crane and transport specialist providing mobile crane services for complex urban, industrial, and heritage projects across France.
The company operates a modern fleet of Liebherr mobile cranes and is known for its expertise in high-precision lifts under constrained conditions, including historic restoration projects, infrastructure works, and inner-city construction.
About Liebherr Mobile Cranes
Liebherr mobile cranes are manufactured by Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, one of the world’s leading producers of mobile and crawler cranes.
Liebherr’s mobile crane portfolio ranges from compact two-axle units to heavy-duty nine-axle cranes exceeding 1,200 tonnes of lifting capacity. Their cranes are widely used in infrastructure, industrial construction, wind energy, urban lifting, and heritage restoration projects worldwide.
About the Liebherr Group
Founded in 1949, the Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology company with more than 150 companies worldwide and operations spanning construction equipment, mining, aerospace, transportation systems, and advanced manufacturing.
In 2023, Liebherr employed over 50,000 people globally and generated revenues exceeding €14 billion, with innovation, engineering excellence, and long-term customer support at the core of its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were mobile cranes used instead of tower cranes for key lifts?
Mobile cranes offered flexibility, rapid repositioning, and the ability to work in extremely confined areas around the cathedral.
Which cranes performed the highest lifts?
Two Liebherr LTM 1350-6.1 all-terrain cranes handled the highest and longest-radius lifts, including installation of the spire.
What made this project especially challenging?
Limited space, historic preservation requirements, simultaneous trades, and strict safety protocols in a dense urban environment.
Were the cranes involved throughout the entire reconstruction?
Yes. Liebherr cranes were present from early stabilization through final completion and reopening in late 2024.
What role did crane operators play?
Operators worked in rotating shifts, coordinating with ground crews and restoration teams to execute precision lifts at extreme heights.
