Repeated Vandalism Inside Notre‑Dame Church in Niort
Authorities in Niort lodged formal complaints after graffiti and burnt papers were discovered inside the Notre‑Dame church during two consecutive days of damage.
The parish of Saint‑Pierre‑Saint‑Paul and the City of Niort filed complaints after vandalism was discovered inside the Notre‑Dame church in central Niort on 17 and 18 February 2026. According to local reports, the damage consisted of graffiti on interior walls and burnt papers. The Niort prosecutor opened an investigation for “degradations or deterioration in a building used for worship.”
The perpetrators had not been identified, but the incidents occurred against a backdrop of repeated acts targeting the church. The parish priest, Father Julien Dupont, stated, “We are unfortunately used to this, and we do not file a complaint every time.” He added that such acts were usually committed “either by young people or by unstable individuals,” and said he preferred a calm approach in order not to add fuel to the fire. He noted, “The day the community is deliberately targeted, I will make my voice heard.”
The church was temporarily closed to visitors on 19 and 20 February. ‘But we have reopened, and places of worship will not close; they must remain a haven of peace for everyone,’ the parish priest assured.
Source: La Nouvelle Republique
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