The fort Roppe is also called Fort Ney. It was built between 1875 and 1877. It is part of the fortifications in eastern France. It is a strong type Sere River. It was modernized during the 1914-1918 war.

Quarry of Roussillon. Located in the middle of Provence, ocher quarries of Roussillon have a unique landscape in France. They are called the Colorado Provencal. Ochre of Roussillon is 90% sand and 10% clay and pigments of goethite. Formerly used by humans 15,000 years ago, the ochres are still used in the art world.

The EDF tower of Cergy Pontoise was built in 1974 by the architects Renzo Moro and Guy Lagneau. It is the tallest building in the Val d'Oise. It is 86m high and 14 floors. From innovative design, is one of the first buildings in France to have a structure irrigated. The building is constructed with water-filled tubes which protects it in case of fire.

source: Wikipedia

Louis Renault is a talented engineer. He invented the direct transmission gear box and patented it in 1898. With his invention, he made a fortune and began a series of land acquisitions at Boulogne. Louis Renault bought the Ile Seguin in the late 20s. First it was supposed to be a recreation area for workers, it will eventually build a new plant next to existing ones. In November 1929, the new plant is inaugurated. Work will continue a few more years.

The Seguin Island plant is fully autonomous and ultra modern. The power plant is designed to operate with multiple fuels (coal or oil).

All the production of vehicles is centralized, but the engines are still being built across the Seine. Robert Doisneau tooked pictures of the spinning of asbestos, foundry metallurgical, workshop tire manufacturing, ...

In 1936, the Renault plant is a symbol of working class struggle with its largest concentration of strikers in France. His reputation will not be denied until the plant closure.

During WWII, the plant is working with the Nazis. Louis Renault gone to jail. The plant was nationalized and in 1947 the 4cv is the success of the National Board of the Renault. 10,000 workers employed on the island. 40,000 workers employed on the site.

During the events of 1968, the island is a symbol of unionism. Workers get more social advances.

The last models produced by the plant are the Super 5 and the Express (a commercial vehicle based on the Super 5). On March 31, 1992, the range and stops the plant closes, now too small to produce new models.

Abandoned the island to be destroyed. The yard is huge and companies are fighting for the tender. The main thing is forgotten: The site must be cleared. The power plant is full of asbestos and the entire basement of the island is bathed by many chemicals. While the plant was emptied in a few months, the destruction tooked 13 years.

source: Legag.com(FR)

The master dome of the fashion store (Printemps Haussman), built in 1923 by the glassworker master Briere is from the very beginning. The main store was established in 1865. After the good market (bon marché) but before the Samaritaine. This name is now a brand of twenty store in France. The owners are a german bank and a brand of luxury italian stores, also established in 1865.

Paper mills are based Landes November 8, 1927. At the time, the paper needs are important and France imports a lot of paper. The plant produces between 12 and 15 tons of paper. In 1934, the plant is in bankruptcy. Another company bought the paper industrial plant (pine cellulose). The mill changed its name to the company of stationers Roquefort.

At maximum activity, the factory employed 500 people in the manufacture of paper and kraft paper. In 1975, the company produces 125 tons of paper per day.

On June 28, 1978, the company ceases all activities and selling buildings. Other buildings are leased to small businesses. 20 years later, there were still huge abandoned buildings. Nobody made the decision to destroy them because it cost too much.

source: Website of Yves Roumazeilles(FR/EN)

Originally built in the eighteenth century as a church,
this monument is now intended to honor people and remember events that have marked
History of France.

All but three of the Kings of France are buried in the basilica.

An old papermaking factory in the south of France