Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, May 8, 2026 – The quiet commune of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, located near Lyon, has been shaken by an act of vandalism targeting a local religious landmark. Between the night of Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4, 2026, a statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, known as “Notre-Dame des Monts-d’Or,” was decapitated. The incident has left residents in shock and disbelief.
Vandalism Discovered on Chemin de la Peronière
The damaged statue is situated along the Chemin de la Peronière, a road where residents typically express concerns about speeding motorists. However, in recent days, the attention has shifted to the desecrated statue. Passersby have been observed slowing down or even stopping to photograph the extent of the damage, highlighting the community’s profound reaction.
“It’s shameful what they’ve done!” exclaimed one passerby during a walk, reflecting the widespread sentiment. For nearly 90 years, Notre-Dame des Monts-d’Or has held a significant place in the hearts of the commune’s 1,400 inhabitants.
Unexplained Act Leaves Community Perplexed
Despite the passage of several days, the motive behind this act remains unknown and inexplicable to the local community. Evidence at the scene suggests that the vandals used considerable force, possibly a sledgehammer, to carry out the destruction. Fragments of the statue are scattered on the ground, while the heads of both the infant Jesus and the Virgin Mary rest at the base of the main figure.
“Nothing had ever happened to her in all these years. It’s shameful what they’ve done,” reiterated the same passerby, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the incident.
Mayor Pledges Restoration, Police Investigation Underway
The mayor of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, Corinne Cardona, has expressed her commitment to restoring the statue. In an interview with Le Progrès, she stated her intention to do everything possible to reconstruct it, acknowledging that the extent of the damage will make this a challenging task.
A formal complaint has been filed by the mayor’s office. Initial reports indicate that the gendarmerie is taking the investigation seriously. Unfortunately, residents of neighboring properties did not hear any commotion during the night of the incident, as the destruction occurred under the cover of darkness.
As the investigation continues, villagers are left to speculate on the perpetrators’ identities and motives. Hypotheses range from malicious outsiders to the possibility of an alcohol-fueled act of recklessness. The community awaits the conclusions of the inquiry and hopes for the statue’s eventual “resurrection.”
Local Reactions and Broader Context
This incident is not isolated in the broader Lyon region, which has seen other instances of statue vandalism. Recently, the statue of Louis XIV in Lyon was defaced following its 1.5 million euro restoration, and discussions have arisen regarding the statue of Joan of Arc in Lyon.
The decapitation of Notre-Dame des Monts-d’Or underscores a growing concern among local communities about the preservation of cultural and religious heritage.
Source: Lyon People
