The statue of St Michael slaying the dragon is 156 metres above sea level and looks as if it will fly away. It is 4.5 metres high and dates from 1897. It was created by the animal sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet. To facilitate its installation, it is made of hammered and gilded copper, a much lighter metal than bronze. It was completely refurbished in 2016. The statue also serves as a lightning rod. Medieval men lived in expectation and fear of the afterlife: venerating St Michael the Archangel, guide and saviour of souls wishing to follow the right path, was comforting.