The stonecutting market - France

The stonemasonry market in France grew slightly, by 1.3% a year. However, the market was particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a slowdown in public and private sector orders, leading to longer project completion times. The effect of the pandemic manifested itself in a sharp drop in market activity from March 2020, with a trough in April and a slow recovery between May and September of the same year. Despite this, the market is slowly adapting to incorporate more environmentally-friendly practices and innovations such as digital stonemasonry, which has considerably streamlined the production process. Public procurement remains a key driver, although the sector also expects potential growth due to environmental concerns, encouraging the use of eco-materials.

The market is dominated by small, highly specialized and geographically concentrated companies, with significant variability in demand for different types of stone. The funeral industry has seen an unusual increase in demand due to the pandemic, which has partially offset the general decline caused by the reduction in construction activity.

France's changing stonemasonry landscape: heritage and modernity

The French stonemasonry market presents a fascinating combination of ancient craftsmanship and technological progress. This market, defined by the cutting, shaping and finishing of stone for construction and other uses, is modest but shows signs of steady growth. The market has grown by around 5%, reaching an estimated value of between 850 and 870 million euros. Stone-cutting in France is particularly concentrated in regions with a rich architectural heritage and an abundant supply of natural stone.

Demand is strongly influenced by the construction and funeral industries, which together account for over 90% of the country's demand. The construction sector alone uses around 86% of limestone and around 23.5% of granite, underlining the importance of the material in this sector. In addition, granite's unique aesthetic properties have made it a predominant choice in the funeral industry, which accounts for two-thirds of its use.

Although it's an age-old craft, the stone-cutting sector in France has embraced modern technology, integrating cutting robots and three-dimensional modeling tools to boost productivity. These advances have enhanced the ecological and aesthetic appeal of the craft, boosting the market. The stonemasonry sector employs around 15,000 people, many of them craftsmen engaged in restoration work, an area that is heavily dependent on public procurement. The market's dependence is also reflected in the influence of tenders from municipalities such as Paris, Nantes and Caen. The varieties of stone mainly worked in France include limestone and granite, identified as the mainstays of the industry. However, a range of stones such as sandstone, marble and schist also contribute to the country's diverse offering.

That said, the stonemasonry sector, like many others, has not been spared the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of the pandemic was reflected in a marked slowdown in public orders and a notable change in project management within the private sector. Although the situation led to setbacks in various markets, the funeral sector experienced contrasting demand dynamics due to the unfortunate increase in mortality rates.

From an ecological point of view, natural stone is increasingly establishing itself as a material of choice due to its environmental benefits and the national emphasis on sustainable management practices. However, challenges remain, particularly with regard to competition from low-cost international imports, which is affecting the competitive dynamics of the market.

In conclusion, the French stonemasonry industry is at a crossroads, where tradition meets technology and the past.

Leading stone-cutting companies specializing in heritage, construction and funeral services

The landscape of the stonemasonry market is dotted with key players who have carved out a place for themselves in a variety of specializations. Thanks to their expertise and know-how, these companies meet the diverse demands of heritage rehabilitation, construction projects and the funeral industry.

• Bonnel stands out for its significant contribution to the field of heritage restoration. Thanks to its expertise and commitment to the restoration of historic structures, the company has been hailed for preserving France's architectural heritage.
• France-Lanord is another prestigious name that resonates in the corridors of historic monument restoration. Its president, Olivier Crancée, emphasizes the importance of public authorities as a key customer, highlighting the company's vital role in the maintenance and renovation of cultural sites.
• Rodrigues-Bizeul and Jaillais have also established themselves as major players in the market. Their involvement in both the renovation of old and the construction of new buildings demonstrates the versatility required in the field of stone-cutting.
• SGRP and Ducherpozat are part of this distinguished group, combining traditional skills with modern techniques to meet the ever-changing demands of the construction industry while adhering to the art of their craft.
• In the field of masonry and stonemasonry, Chanzy-Pardoux brings its expertise to bear, bringing the elegance and durability of stone to the construction sector.
• Fort, though its name evokes strength, resonates with a heritage of dexterity and attention to detail. These qualities are essential in a market where the aesthetic value of stone blends perfectly with functional requirements.
• In the funeral marble field, the market is influenced by companies such as Le Choix Funéraire, which reflects the tradition of commemorating loved ones with the enduring beauty of stone.

The collective impact of these stonemasonry players not only shapes the physical landscapes of cities and monuments, but also leaves an indelible mark on the cultural heritage and private memorials that pay tribute to their expertise. Each entity is a pillar of a market that values both the historical significance and the utilitarian function of stone.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/12/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Utilisation des produits, tous matériaux confondus
• Utilisation des pierres calcaires
• Utilisation du granit
• Utilisation de grès et lave
• Entreprises, effectifs et effectifs par établissement de l'industrie de la taille, du façonnage et du finissage de pierres
• Nombre de carrières par grand type de pierre
• Volumes bruts d'extraction des principaux types de pierres
• Chiffre d'affaire du marché de la taille, du façonnage et du finissage de pierres
• Le marché de la taille, du façonnage et du finissage de pierre
• Deaths in France from January 1 to April 30
• Matériaux utilisés dans la construction de maisons individuelles
• Chiffre d'affaires de la Taille, du façonnage et du finissage de pierres (NAF 23.70) et de la Construction de maisons individuelles (NAF 41.20A)