The roofs of Paris are UNESCO cultural heritage

The zinc roofs of Paris, real postcards of the capital, have just won their place in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. It’s not so much the roofs themselves as the techniques used to restore them that are in the spotlight. Since the 19th century, this know-how has made it possible to maintain these gray expanses characteristic of the Parisian landscape that the whole world envies!

The roofs of Paris, now recognized worldwide

UNESCO highlights the work of roofers, these craftsmen who, in often extreme conditions, breathe new life into these roofs steeped in history. “ With nearly 80% of Paris roofs covered in zinc, the city is a living archive of these skills », Underlines the organization.

Climbing the roofs of Paris is a vocation that combines a love of heights and a fascination for architecture. Fantine Dekens, 21, embodies this new generation of artisans, as she explains at AP. A former barmaid who became a roofer, she says: “ There is a kind of romanticism around the roofs of Paris that attracted me. Being outdoors is great, but you have to love the physical challenge. It is often very cold or very hot, and the equipment is heavy. It’s not a job you do forever.»

The days of these roofers are punctuated by precise gestures, inherited from the 19th century. They measure and cut each sheet of zinc so that it perfectly fits the shape of the roof. The work, while demanding, is nevertheless accompanied by suspended moments. “ We sing, we shout, we enjoy the view of all of Paris. It’s incredible », Enthuses Fantine.

However, this profession suffers from a lack of labor. UNESCO recognition could be a springboard to attract new recruits and raise awareness of the importance of preserving these techniques.

If zinc roofs symbolize Paris, they also raise questions in the context of global warming. In oppressive heat, these roofs can reach up to 80°C, making the homes below difficult to live in in summer. Studies have shown that temperatures are up to 6°C higher under these roofs than on lower floors.

To respond to this problem, the City of Paris is exploring several solutions: greening, light paints or the installation of solar panels. The deputy mayor in charge of ecological transition, Dan Lert, even mentioned in The Parisian innovative projects to adapt these roofs to the future, while respecting their history.

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