Les Flèches des cathédrales Sculpture

A gleaming beacon against the sky, Les Flèches des cathédrales pierces the horizon. What secrets does this towering sculpture hold? We stand before Les Flèches des cathédrales, a monumental artwork gracing the A10 motorway between Paris and Saint-Arnoult. Created by Georges Saulterre in 1989, it’s more than just a roadside attraction. It’s a landmark, a familiar sight for countless drivers, marking the boundary between Essonne and Yvelines. Les Flèches des cathédrales isn’t just a random arrangement of metal. It’s a tribute, a nod to the spires of Chartres Cathedral, visible from the motorway. Saulterre, often hailed as the “father” of motorway art, constructed this 21-meter-high masterpiece from self-cleaning, rust-proof stainless steel. Imagine the logistics: individual elements crafted in his Yvelines workshop, then hoisted by crane over his own house before reaching their final resting place. This impressive feat earned Les Flèches des cathédrales a spot in the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records as “the tallest sculpture ever made by one man.” Les Flèches des cathédrales evokes a sense of place, a marker of memories and emotions for travelers. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform even the mundane motorway journey into something memorable. The sculpture’s gleaming form captures the changing light, a constant companion for those on the road. Les Flèches des cathédrales, a symbol of artistry and innovation, continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who pass by.