Notre Dame Paris: How DOM Security Combines Historic Craftsmanship with Modern Security for a World Heritage Site

It was a defining moment for Christine Soulier, Responsible Serrurerie Décorative at Maison Fontaine. “The 2019 fire marked a turning point in our relationship with heritage,” she recalls. From that smoldering tragedy has arisen a fascinating tale of renewal, with Europe’s oldest artistic locksmith playing its own small role. With a history stretching back to 1740, Maison Fontaine – today part DOM Security – brought centuries of expertise to Notre-Dame’s restoration. “This exceptional legacy grants us in-depth knowledge of historical styles, ancestral craftsmanship techniques, and heritage conservation requirements,” Christine explains.

The company’s task was to craft embossed door handles for the cathedral’s sacristy, where clergy prepare before meeting the congregation. Partnering with Art et Technique du Bois from Saint-Brive-Courcelles, they drew inspiration from 19th-century designs. “Together, we designed a custom handle model that remained faithful to the spirit of the site,” she says, “a perfect alliance between tradition and functional precision.”