A centuries‑old stone cross atop the Col de la Crouzette in Ariège was destroyed by sledgehammer attacks during the weekend of 15 August, sparking outrage among the local community.
The stone cross at the summit of Col de la Crouzette, also called Portet d’Eychelles, was destroyed in situ by what appeared to be sledgehammer blows during the weekend of 15 August 2025. The cross, which had stood for roughly three centuries as a landmark marking the boundary between the valley of Eychelles and the summer pastures (estives) of Haute Serre in the commune of Bethmale, was reduced to fragments. It had been carved locally and consecrated in 2004.