VIDEO. On the roofs with zinc roofers, tightrope walkers vying for Unesco

Exposed but hidden from view, perched about twenty meters away, the zinc roofers and ornamentalists perpetuate centuries-old traditions.

In competition with the baguette de pain and the Biou d'Arbois, a traditional wine festival, their know-how is in the running to represent France in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Unesco.

"The purpose of this candidacy is to attract young people to these magnificent professions in order to ensure the conservation of Parisian roofs", assures Gilles Mermet, photographer journalist and kingpin of the candidacy.

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Zinc has covered more than 70% of buildings in the capital since the middle of the 19th century.

"From the Haussmannian buildings, you discover the prospect of an ocean of gray roofs, it's great" rejoices the enthusiast.

The possibility of working in the open air also continues to appeal to young roofers: "It's never the same on each site," says Victor, a future roofer chaperoned by the Compagnons du Devoir.

“I climbed over forty Parisian rooftops, (...) and the higher we are, the better.

We're lucky, it's really a great job ”.

If the profession brings together 18,000 roofing companies and 45,000 employees in France, every morning, there is a shortage of nearly 500 roofers on the roofs of France.

A shortage of skilled labor slowing down the work.