Based on a marshy area, Valenciennes owes its tremendous economic growth to the confluence of the Scheldt and the Rhonelle making it possible to navigate towards the North Sea and thus promoting the development of trade and industry. But the abundance of water in the city, with many canals and rivers, has long been the cause of epidemics and flood disasters. The Scheldt pipeline and the creation of the sewerage and drinking water distribution networks at the end of the 19th century will put an end to it. In the 20th century, water became synonymous with hygiene, well-being and relaxation with the creation of baths and municipal pools, the development of the park of the Rhonelle and the pond of the Vineyard.
Exhibition visible from September 20th to October 1st, from Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 6pm. Guided tour at 3:30pm.