Fire Destroys 90% of Historic Library Collection in Condom Cloister

A severe fire broke out on the evening of June 12, 2026, around 9 PM at the cloister of the former Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Condom, France, which housed the municipal media library. The blaze, extinguished a few hours later, caused extensive damage: the library ceiling collapsed and approximately 400 m² of the cloister roof was destroyed. Inside, flames left a pile of debris and damaged a large portion of the city's historical archives. About 90% of the 4,300 works in the media library's historic collection were damaged, some soaked by firefighting water, others partially burned. Mayor Jean-François Sabathier compared the emotional shock to the Notre-Dame de Paris fire, noting the loss of very old archives, including the Bossuet collection belonging to a former bishop. The collection included a precious missal of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704), bishop of Condom before becoming bishop of Meaux. Sabathier stated they are cataloging all affected books (16th to 19th century) and have saved cadastral archives while attempting to secure the cloister. Securing works continue under the city's direction, with DRAC Occitanie services dispatched to assess losses and begin salvage operations. Culture Minister Catherine Pégard praised the mobilization, assuring state support for restoration. The cloister, built in the 16th century shortly after the Gothic cathedral, is a major remnant of the former episcopal city.