Parks and Gardens

The city's industrial history is expressed not only in its buildings but also in its parks and gardens.

In the 19th century, the industrial bourgeoisie, having become the dominant class, asserted their power through aesthetic achievements, including gardens. These spaces developed in both private and public spheres, with factory gardens integrated into the decorative programs of industrial sites, contributing to their image. Other green spaces, such as the garden of the DMC Refectory, provided places of enjoyment for workers.

The private gardens of industrialists, still visible today, reflect their passion for exotic plants. Philanthropy also manifested through gardens intended for food production, assigned to each house in the Cité, aiming to keep workers away from pubs and to encourage a more moral lifestyle. Finally, public parks gradually appeared thanks to donations from industrialists, municipal acquisitions, or the conversion of former factories.