Paris roofers want Unesco protection

Mériadec Aulanier of the GCCP federation of roofing firms in Paris said zinc covered 80% of its roofs and the work of the 500 couvreurs was known world-wide as they had worked for 200 years creating a unique skyline with the Haussmann roofs.

But young people showed little interest and he said the aim was to encourage them into becoming apprentices in a trade that is both traditional and technically modern.

“Caring for the roofs is permanent; the zinc is replaced every generation or so and today we are heavily involved in meeting new energy and environmental standards.

“This is not a job where every day is the same, couvreurs work with their heads in designing new responses to old problems.”

A project for Paris rooftops to be on the Unesco list is on hold due to mairie concerns.