Intangible heritage of humanity: the treasures of Paris and Île-de-France classified by UNESCO

In 2024,UNESCO added the skills of Parisian roofers and ornamentalists to its list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. These craftsmen who restore and conserve the roofs of Paris contribute to the preservation of Haussmann buildings, and thus to the beauty of the Parisian landscape and skyline.

Every year since 2003, UNESCO has selected cultural elements and skills from around the world to be added to its list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This process identifies important cultural practices that need to be preserved and kept alive. The list includes traditional dishes, craft skills, local festivals and celebrations, artistic practices...

France is home to 30 practices listed as intangible heritage by UNESCO. Some of these skills are shared with other countries, others are specific to France. And still others are specifically linked to Paris and the surrounding region. Discover the treasures of French heritage:

• The skills of Parisian roofers and ornamentalists.
  Added to the list of intangible heritage in 2024, these skills distinguish the craftsmen who help preserve the roofs of Paris. These roofs, typical of Haussmann buildings in particular, are made of zinc, and account for almost 80% of the roofs in Paris.

Les Toits Parisiens : the store and workshops to know everything about the roofs of Paris
In the heart of the Marais is a store or rather, a real museum dedicated to zinc and slate roofs, specific to Paris, that we recommend you to discover, if only to know how the roofs of our buildings are made! [Read more]

• Fairground culture
  Attractions, vintage and modern rides, food stalls, games and music: in France and Belgium, travelling fairs and funfairs can be found all year round. This culture dates back to the Middle Ages and has been passed down from generation to generation. In Paris, you can discover it at the Musée des Arts forains and, of course, at the various fairs and fêtes that bring the capital to life.

The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]

Amusement parks and funfairs in and around Paris, 2024 program
Fancy a few rides? With family or friends, amusement parks and other funfairs are among the must-see outings for tribes, and there are several in and around Paris. Discover their programs for this 2024 season. [Read more]

• Craft skills and baguette culture
  Of course, France is synonymous with bread and baguettes! This cultural heritage was classified by UNESCO in 2022. The world body wants to preserve not only the traditional recipes and manufacturing processes, but also the eating habits of the French.

The best baguette in Paris 2024 can be found in the 11th arrondissement, and guess where?
We reveal where the best baguette in Paris 2024 can be found! This year, it's in the 11ᵉ arrondissement of Paris that you'll have to go to taste the capital's best baguette. The annual competition for the best baguette in Paris returned its verdict this Thursday, April 25, and we tell you all about it. [Read more]

Île-de-France: the region's best traditional 2024 baguettes
Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, Val-d'Oise and Seine-Saint-Denis... here's where to find and taste the best traditional 2024 baguettes in the Paris region, according to the winners of various departmental competitions held this spring. [Read more]

• To be read
• Tips for the week of January 6 - 12, 2025 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• Free museums and monuments this Sunday: places to visit this February 2, 2025 in Paris
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings

• The gastronomic meal of the French
  To continue this culinary momentum, UNESCO also recognizes the French gastronomic meal as an important part of our heritage. The institution values moments of sharing and communion around food, dishes made with good products and well matched, knowledge of gastronomy and the transmission of these values to young people...

Gastronomic restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Looking for a good gourmet restaurant in Paris? We've put together a list of the best places to eat in Paris. [Read more]

• Falconry, a living human heritage
  More surprisingly, the art of falconry is also associated with France (and other countries), and has been a World Heritage Site since 2021. UNESCO highlights an ancient practice of training and flying falcons, and it can be linked to a " form of social and recreational practice, but also a means of communion with nature."

Les Aigles des Remparts de Provins, the falconry show in the medieval city of Provins
The falconry show, Les aigles des remparts, returns to the ramparts of Provins. Discover splendid birds of prey in total harmony with horses. [Read more]

Falconer for a day: an unforgettable experience up close to the birds at Espace Rambouillet
If you're a bird lover, Espace Rambouillet offers you the chance to spend an exceptional morning in the shoes of a falconer, making friends with an owl or eagle in an unforgettable experience. [Read more]

• Traditional Frenchequitation
  Finally, equitation, as practiced in France, is valued by UNESCO. The organization sees in it a harmony between man and animal, training without force, which respects the physical and moral integrity of the horse.

Horse-riding: where to practice equestrian sports in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Do you dream of discovering horse riding in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? Let yourself be seduced by this ancient discipline, combining sport, passion and communion with nature. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, the Paris region is home to numerous equestrian clubs where you can experience memorable moments on horseback. [Read more]

And to discover the other treasures of Ile-de-France's heritage according to UNESCO, read our article.

6 Unesco World Heritage sites to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Do you know the Unesco World Heritage sites in the Paris region? We reveal 6 jewels to discover in Paris and the Paris region that are well worth the detour. [Read more]