Notre-Dame Cathedral in Chocolate: A Remarkable Valrhona Masterpiece

An Exceptional Chocolate Sculpture for the Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris

On the occasion of the highly anticipated reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on December 7 and 8, 2024, Valrhona is celebrating this jewel of French heritage by unveiling a monumental chocolate masterpiece.

The chocolate sculpture will be on display at Terminal 1 of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport from December 8, 2024, to January 15, 2025, highlighting an exclusive collaboration between Extime Duty Free Paris, Lagardère Travel Retail, and Valrhona.

Created by Baptiste Moreau, an instructor at L'École Valrhona, alongside the team from École Valrhona Paris under the direction of Thierry Bridon, this unique sculpture pays tribute to the iconic Gothic architecture of the cathedral.

Notre-Dame in Chocolate: An Artistic and Technical Feat

Measuring 2.20 meters long, 1.50 meters wide, and 1.40 meters high, this replica of Notre-Dame is a true marvel. Designed in collaboration with architect Philippe Velu (Tandem company), it faithfully reproduces the intricate details of the cathedral, thanks to the digitization of plans and waterjet chocolate cutting techniques performed by Hydroprocess. Sculptures, such as the gargoyles and the rose window, were handcrafted by the pastry chefs of L'École Valrhona and Baptiste Moreau, showcasing exceptional expertise.

This masterpiece required nearly 3,000 hours of work, from design to assembly.

Weaving Connections Between Gastronomy, Art, and Cultural Heritage

Composed of three parts for easy transport, the sculpture will be on display at Terminal 1 of Paris Airport from December 8, 2024, to January 15, 2025, allowing people from around the world to admire this feat. It may later become a traveling exhibit.

This project, in tribute to Notre-Dame, demonstrates once again Valrhona's commitment to weaving connections between gastronomy, art, and cultural heritage. The École Valrhona had already taken on a significant challenge by recreating the spire of Sainte-Chapelle in chocolate for the "Paris, Capital of Gastronomy, from the Middle Ages to Today" exhibition in 2023. Displayed at the Conciergerie, this 1.70-meter chocolate sculpture, combining molding techniques and meticulous assembly, paid homage to a similar sugar creation made a century earlier, once again showcasing Valrhona’s craftsmanship and creative boldness.

Valrhona: A Unique Expertise at the Service of Chefs and Artisans

A partner to artisans of taste since 1922, Valrhona embodies excellence in the world of chocolate. The École Valrhona Brooklyn, located in the heart of Dumbo, is a space dedicated to the training of culinary professionals, offering advanced workshops to share its unique expertise.

© photos : Sadik Sans Voltaire