Sponsorship of Notre-Dame de Paris

On the evening of April 15, 2019, a fire of unprecedented intensity ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Within a few hours, the roof structure was largely destroyed, and two-thirds of the roof collapsed. The whole world watched in stunned disbelief as images of this symbol of French heritage went up in flames.

The very next day, a wave of international solidarity began to take shape. Individuals, businesses, and institutions stepped forward to support the restoration of this iconic monument.

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Food distribution began in the early months of the project

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In May 2019, Sodexo announced its commitment to provide one million meals to the construction workers, tradespeople, laborers, and organizations involved in the reconstruction project. The goal is simple but essential: to ensure decent meal services for those working on the site every day.

It was in this context that LocaCuisines reached out to Denis Machuel, then CEO of Sodexo, to offer its support. The company quickly identified a specific need: to equip the construction site’s living quarters with kitchen equipment suitable for preparing and serving meals.

Through this collaboration, an initial set of equipment was identified and made available to the construction site. This cooperation marks the beginning of an operational partnership designed to support field operations.

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2020: LocaCuisines becomes a sponsor of the restoration project

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In 2020, LocaCuisines officially became a sponsor of the public institution responsible for the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

These are unusual times: the world has been brought to a standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the construction site is entering a complex phase of safety measures. Despite these circumstances, the first pieces of equipment are arriving on site, enabling Sodexo to provide hot meals for the teams on site, which currently number between 100 and 250 people.

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2021: The End of Stabilization and the Beginning of Recovery

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By the summer of 2021, the phase to secure the monument will be complete. Restoration work can then truly begin, accompanied by the first major calls for bids for the next phase of the project.

The site then enters a new phase, with a more sustainable structure and a gradual expansion of its teams.

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2022: Project ramp-up and new site office

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In 2022, the ramp-up of construction work led to a reorganization of the site camp. The facilities were expanded and redesigned to accommodate a larger number of workers. A dedicated dining area was added and equipped with new kitchen appliances, increasing the capacity of meals prepared by Sodexo for the 200 to 500 people working on the site each day.

On October 11, 2022, the public agency, Sodexo, and LocaCuisines officially opened the camp restaurant. This essential facility has become the logistical and social hub of the construction site.

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2024: The Rebirth of Notre-Dame

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Saturday, December 7, 2024, marks a historic milestone: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopens its doors after five years of extraordinary restoration work. This monumental project brought together thousands of craftsmen, artisans, and experts from around the world, united by a common goal: to breathe new life into one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

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2025: An Exclusive Look at the Kitchens of Notre-Dame

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In 2025, an exclusive report takes a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchens at the Notre-Dame construction camp, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the site. This content highlights the essential role that institutional food service plays in the daily lives of the crews.

On this occasion, two key figures in the project share their experiences of this extraordinary journey:

• Philippe Jost, President of the Public Institution in charge of the restoration of Notre-Dame,
• Laurent Cousin, Director of R&D at Sodexo.

Their interviews highlight the scale of the project, the importance of on-site logistics, and the exemplary coordination among the various partners, including LocaCuisines.

By the end of 2025, as the reconstruction phase draws to a close, LocaCuisines’ sponsorship will naturally come to an end. After several years of working alongside the construction teams, this mission concludes on a note of collective success: the restoration of the cathedral is complete, and Notre-Dame has regained its place at the heart of Paris and the world.

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