The COVID-19 epidemic continues to disrupt our daily lives. The 37th edition of Heritage Days is the latest victim to date. Although uncertain until the last moment, it was finally maintained throughout France on September 19th and 20th, despite numerous events being cancelled.

Admittedly, the climatic conditions of this autumn are still mild in this month of September, but nevertheless, the first clouds are already pointing their noses in many sectors of activity. The world of art and culture are particularly impacted by the health crisis. As the tourist engines of the Parisian capital, they are particularly affected by the lack of international customers and the limited number of people in enclosed or outdoor spaces.

Like the fashion industry, they are forced to reinvent themselves. Just like IFA Paris, they are forced to create new formats. The numbers of existing clusters in the cities of Marseille, Nice and Bordeaux have been overtaken by the 2020 edition. The other metropolises have had to revise the way visits are conducted, by considerably reducing the influx of people to the selected locations, or by inviting the public to make their pre-bookings online.

While France can boast a very rich historical and cultural heritage, Paris has particularly built its’ attractiveness on the diversity of its’ architecture, exhibitions and eclectic events. So even in this period, it is out of question not to immerse spectators in the heart of museums, exhibitions or other institutions: the capital has placed the event under the digital experience banner. From their sofa and connected to social networks, everyone was able to enter the Notre Dame Reconstruction site, celebrate the 120 years of the metro through a dedicated retrospective, or virtually get lost in the maze of the Elysée Palace.

Despite the efforts made, Paris, the historical and cultural epicentre, has not looked the same in recent months. All that remains is to accept this transition patiently, while waiting for the French art of living to regain its full meaning and for Paris to finally become Paris again.