A French cathedral has found itself in hot water after using one of its bell towers as a curing room for hams.

Rector Gilles Boyer from St Flour in south central France came up with the idea two years ago after funds that had been promised by local authorities to repair the building's organ never materialised. Since then, local farmers have been climbing the 145 steps to the north tower to hang their hams - a local speciality - to dry, bringing in much-needed funds.

Fr Boyer said he had already set up beehives on an unused terrace of the cathedral to produce honey for sale and that the bell tower was also an unused space.

The arrangement was blessed by a local bishop and the project was approved by both state and church authorities. Since then, the tower-cured hams have been sold at markets, in the church and online for about $150 each. The profits, once the local charcuterie company had recouped its costs, were given to the cathedral.

Overall, about 300 hams have been sold and more than $12,000 was spent to finally restore the organ. Even the Elysee Palace has a standing order for the hams every three months. 

But, after noticing a grease stain on the floor, an inspector who oversees France's architectural heritage ordered the hams to be taken down as he said they were a fire hazard. However, the cathedral refused and the dispute was escalated to the Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

 Jean-Paul Rolland who took over as rector in 2022, refused to bow to pressure to take down the hams, but has made some small changes such as putting down carpets and barring access to visitors.

 He said :“The building is dedicated to religious practice so it’s not up to the administration to tell us what we can do or not inside.”

The Culture Minister has now said the hams can stay, as long as a “detailed study” finds they can be matured safely.