Par Hugh Maillard
Published on
With alpine massifs crossed by many rivers, the Grenoble region is conducive to aa excellent water quality. For example, we find the spas of Uriage-les-Bainsa few kilometers from the capital of the Alps.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Honoré Hugues Berriat, then mayor of Grenoble, wanted to transform his city by creating a spa resort in the heart of the city centre.
Focus on this project that could have changed the face and history of the capital of the Alps.
Thermal baths next to the city garden
Since 1811 the project has consisted in the supply of water from the thermal springs present in the bed of the Drac and their transport from La Motte les Bains to a thermal establishment built in Grenoble.
Rare water quality
The water from the La Motte springs has been known since Roman times for its healing properties.
The structure should see the light next to the Jardin de Ville. Mayor Berriat and his teams want to make Grenoble an attractive tourist city. He even plans to build a theatre, museum, casino, restaurants and hotels.
The aqueduct of about 40 kilometers which was supposed to allow the conveyance of water will never see the light of day, just like the project.
The abandoned project
Shortly before the start of the First World War, the project to create thermal baths in Grenoble was abandoned. The supporters of the “no” would have prevailed over the ambitions of Honoré Hugues Berriat and his supporters.
The city councilor who wanted to transform the city is gone an indelible mark in Grenoble. Under his mandate, she initiated several projects: the St-Laurent suspension bridge was built, the roads were paved, the Isère quays were developed.
It also leaves its name on the Cours Berriat which runs through Grenoble.
To discover unpublished images of this spa project, you can go to the Platform place de Verdun in Grenoble. From Wednesday to Saturday, from 1pm to 7pm, an exhibition welcomes the curious for free.
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