The Bonne Mère re-gilded: our exclusive drone footage following an exceptional heritage project!
December 2025 marked the end of a project as delicate as it was iconic: the complete restoration of the monumental statue of the Virgin and Child overlooking Marseille from the summit of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. For ten months, craftsmen, specialist artisans and technical teams worked tirelessly to restore this symbol of Marseille, beloved by locals and millions of visitors alike, to its former glory.
Drone-Pictures had the privilege of following part of this work from the sky, alongside Marseille photographer Jérôme Cabanel, as part of the preparation for his photographic book entirely devoted to this remarkable restoration. Our first aerial assignment took place on 18 July 2025, when we documented the initial stages of the project. At the time, the challenge was to capture the preparatory work, the scaffolding and the initial condition of the statue before it underwent complete restoration.
A few months later, in December 2025, the context was completely different. Winter was approaching, the scaffolding had just been dismantled, and the Bonne Mère once again stood in all her splendour, freshly gilded and more dazzling than ever. It was the ideal moment to immortalise this spectacular result using the most advanced aerial technology on the market.
To view this clip in 8K, go on Youtube and set the maximum quality at 4320p50
Good to know: an 8.1K image has 35.3 million pixels. A 4K image has 8.8 million pixels. A FullHD image has 2.07 megapixels.
8K video is therefore 17 times bigger than HD1080p video, and more than 4 times bigger than 4K video!
An 8.1K video recording following the official inauguration
With over ten years of experience in sensitive missions in dense urban environments, we deployed our DJI Inspire 3, capable of filming in 8.1K. This drone, used for cinema and premium productions, was the perfect tool to reveal every detail of the freshly applied gilding, each restored relief, and the meticulous texture of the gold leaf applied by the Compagnons restaurateurs.
We had already filmed the basilica in 6K in May 2021 (see the clip here), but this new project went much further: it marked the first ultra-high-definition recording of the statue once it had been restored. Thanks to ideal weather conditions and meticulous preparation with the relevant services, we were able to make several flights around the statue, just a few days after the official inauguration on 7 December 2025.
The images obtained reveal incredible detail. The morning light caught the new gilding, creating reflections of an intensity rarely seen on a monument of this scale. The result exceeded all our expectations.
Some photos of the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica taken by drone – Inspire 3 (45 megapixels) & Mavic 4 Pro (25 megapixels) – © Drone-Pictures
A first ever in France: 3D modelling of the statue using photogrammetry
Beyond traditional video capture, we took advantage of this operation to achieve another first: the complete 3D modelling of the newly gilded statue of the Virgin and Child, using drone photogrammetry.
This technique involves capturing hundreds of images – in this case, 1,240 only for the bell tower and the statue – from precisely calculated viewpoints, which are then assembled using specialised algorithms (i.e. Metashape software).
The aim : obtain a three-dimensional model that is accurate to the nearest centimetre, allowing the monument (or statue/work of art) to be examined from all angles, including those that are impossible to capture from the ground.
This modelling represents a unique document.
For restorers, it is a valuable archiving tool.
For Drone-Pictures, it is further proof of our ability to combine visual creativity and technical expertise.
The precision achieved thanks to the DJI Mavic 4E RTK drone files has made it possible to generate a particularly detailed model, where every fragment of gilding and every restored detail is perfectly identifiable.
A sensitive operation carried out with rigour
Filming such an iconic monument, perched at an altitude of over 150 metres in the heart of one of the busiest urban environments in the south of France, required meticulous preparation. Before the flights, we:
- conducted a comprehensive aerial impact study, coordinated with sanctuary officials,
- submitted flight scenarios to civil aviation authorities,
- checked weather parameters,
- studied optimal trajectories and schedules to ensure complete safety while capturing the most aesthetically pleasing images.
This rigour is an integral part of our DNA at Drone-Pictures. It is what allows us to take on complex missions and deliver truly unique images, while remaining within a strict and perfectly controlled legal framework.
A tribute to Marseille’s heritage
This mission went far beyond a technical shoot. For our team, who are Marseillais at heart and by origin, filming the Bonne Mère had a special significance. Each flight around this legendary monument was a moment of pride and responsibility towards the people of Marseille, who are more attached than anyone else to this golden silhouette that has watched over the city for more than 150 years.
It was an immense privilege for us to help highlight this restoration, capture its completion and offer everyone images that did justice to the event.
Coming soon: a comprehensive video clip showcasing the Bonne Mère in a whole new light
All the images captured during 2025 – 6K and 8.1K videos, high-resolution photos, photogrammetry sequences – will be edited together to create a unique video clip showing behind-the-scenes footage of the project and our drone photography operations around this iconic monument so dear to the people of Marseille!
The film will showcase the final result of the colossal work carried out by the craftsmen: a radiant statue, the ultimate symbol of Marseille, ready to shine for decades to come.
This video is also an opportunity to reveal several angles that would have been impossible to capture without a drone.
Other videos of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, during the works in 2025
👉Take a look behind the scenes at this exceptional construction project
Vertical video filmed by drone during the restoration of the Bonne Mère
A final look before gilding (Mavic 4 Pro drone) – 18 July 2025
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Video of the replacement of the crown of the Virgin Mary, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Marseille (17 October 2025)
6K video of the Bonne Mère before renovation in May 2021 captured by our Inspire 2 drone + X7 camera (find out more)
