A senior French official said the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry is fit to be transported to the United Kingdom, countering mounting criticism from conservationists who argue the fragile embroidery should remain in Normandy. Philippe Bélaval, the Élysée’s special adviser overseeing the project, told Agence France-Presse that experts have devised detailed handling and transport guidelines and that none of the studies conducted so far conclude the 70-metre linen work is “intransportable.” President Emmanuel Macron announced in July that France will lend the tapestry to London’s British Museum from September 2026 to June 2027, the first time the artefact would leave French soil in modern history. Bélaval said road shipment by specially equipped truck is the leading option, while the Culture Ministry is running additional tests on the embroidery’s resistance to vibration. Opposition to the plan has gathered pace: an online petition urging the government to cancel the loan exceeded 52,000 signatures on Friday. Critics cite a February video by a regional curator warning that any long-distance move poses conservation risks. The Élysée maintains that final approval will depend on completion of the ongoing technical assessments, but insists that, with proper precautions, the tapestry can travel safely.