News from France Feb/March 2025

 
News from France Feb/March 2025

The latest news in culture, tourism and sustainable travel from France and its regions.

Paris Zinc Roofers Recognised by UNESCO

The skills of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists have entered UNESCO’s official list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The distinctive grey roofs of the Haussmannian buildings built in Paris during the 19th century used zinc as a lightweight option to reduce the size of the frame and increase the liveable space. Their restoration involves the painstaking removal of the old pieces, then cutting and moulding with a special ‘Parisian’ folding tool to affix each new piece. “With nearly 80% of the roofs in Paris covered in zinc, the city is a living archive of these skills that shape the unique identity of its urban landscape,” the official UNESCO statement noted. The skills are passed on through work-study programmes in which apprentices learn the theory and gain hands-on experience. The custom is to leave a memento under a piece of roofing to be found decades later by future artisans. Also added to UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage list was France’s funfair culture. “Dating back to medieval fairs, funfair culture is a way of life that is still very much alive today in France and Belgium,” it noted.

New Coin Collection Celebrating Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame mint © Monnaie de Paris

The French mint, the Monnaie de Paris, has released a coin collection to commemorate the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris following five years of restoration work after the devastating fire of April 15, 2019. The collection, which took two years to create, includes silver and gold coins ranging in face value from €200 to €5,000 and featuring intricate designs of the cathedral’s architecture. One side showcases Notre-Dame’s façade within an ogive shape, incorporating Gothic elements and the reconstructed spire; the reverse depicts the renovated choir and new liturgical furniture. The €5,000 coin is made of 1kg of pure gold and depicts the cathedral seen from the front, topped by a rose window. It comes in an oak case, reminiscent of the cathedral’s intricate woodwork, with an NFC chip and digital certificate of authenticity and a wealth of exclusive content about the reconstruction of Notre-Dame.

Toulouse Named Best City to Visit

Toulouse and Garonne river aerial panoramic view © shutterstock

Lonely Planet has named Toulouse as the top city destination in its Best in Travel ranking 2025. The travel guidebook publisher said that the city is often referred to as ‘Paris in miniature’, offering a maze of charming streets ‘overflowing with art galleries in repurposed industrial spaces, excellent food and scenic river and canal banks’. Visitors can look forward to exploring iconic monuments such as the Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins Convent and the soon-to-reopen Musée des Augustins in a 14th-century cloistered convent.
As a university town, Toulouse is abuzz with joie de vivre, evident in its vibrant café culture, world-class gastronomy and hopping nightlife. And as the second sunniest city in France, enjoying the outdoors is part of the lifestyle in the ‘Pink City’, so named due to its terracotta architecture. With the majestic Garonne River and the Canal du Midi offering a refreshing respite, Toulouse is easily walkable and offers reliable public transport. Adding to its allure, Toulouse offers a dynamic art scene and a rich programme of exhibitions, concerts and festivals. See you there!

Parc Astérix is France’s Favourite Amusement Park

Parc Astérix © S. Cambon

Parc Astérix, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, was crowned Best Amusement Park in France at the 2024 Parcs Fans Awards. This marks the third consecutive year the park has received this recognition, proof that its commitment to providing top-notch entertainment and experiences inspired by the beloved comic book series is worth it. Adrenaline junkies love the roller coasters, including the exhilarating Toutatis with its impressive drops and speeds, while families appreciate the gentler rides, such as Les Chaises Volantes. Throughout the day, you can enjoy spectacular live shows featuring acrobatics and magic. The park often hosts seasonal events that add to the festive atmosphere, making each visit unique. Exploring the various themed areas transports you to ancient Rome, Viking shores and more. Each section is designed to immerse you in a different world, complete with themed dining options and shops offering exclusive souvenirs.

Two Hybrid Ferries for Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries ship Saint-Malo

Highlighting its commitment to greener ferry travel, cross-channel operator Brittany Ferries has taken delivery of two new hybrid-LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessels, named Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie.
The company says the boats – which are powered by a hybrid-propulsion system combining liquefied natural gas (currently considered the most eco-responsible fossil fuel available) with electric-power, a little like a hybrid car – “will form part of the final and most ambitious fleet renewal programme in our history.”
The Saint-Malo will operate the Portsmouth to Saint-Malo route from February, while the Guillaume de Normandie (William the Conqueror) is scheduled to commence sailing from Portsmouth to Caen in April, and will feature as one of the centrepieces of Caen’s millennium celebrations in 2025.

Lead photo credit : Au sommet du lanternon de la Mairie du Xe arrondissement de Paris, un couvreur découpe des feuilles de zinc sur mesure pour les poser entre les arrêtiers du dôme qui coiffe le lanternon. Les feuilles de zinc vierges ont été embouties en atelier pour former ce motif en écaille. Ce motif décoratif a été retrouvé sur les dessins du 19è siècle, date de la construction du bâtiment et réutilisé dans le cadre de cette restauration.

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Sylvia Edwards Davis is a writer and correspondent based in France with a focus on business and culture. A member of the France Media editorial team, Sylvia scans the cultural landscape to bring you the most relevant highlights on current events, art exhibitions, museums and festivals.

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