French designer Ionna Vautrin has created the new seating for the restored Notre-Dame de Paris: a family of oak chairs, benches and prie-Dieu that blend contemporary design with the cathedral’s historic spirit. Her chairs feature soft curves, a lowered backrest for comfort, and a lightweight, stackable structure — a balance of noble simplicity, functionality and quiet elegance. Crafted in solid oak by Bosc, each piece echoes the cathedral’s material heritage while offering a warm, human scale within an awe-inspiring space. Vautrin’s work brings a modern yet respectful touch to one of the world’s most symbolic monuments, showing how thoughtful design can honour tradition while shaping the future.
Photo credits: 1 and 4 Arnaud Sabatier
2 and 3 Sebastien Chebassier