Deep within Lille’s historical tapestry lies a secret. It is not widely known, but it’s a significant piece of Lille’s past: Cour Provo.
The courées, including Cour Provo, are typical houses in the North. They are characteristic of its industrial development. They form part of Lille’s architectural heritage. These unique dwellings whisper tales of a bygone era.
Imagine small houses standing close together. They share a courtyard and connect to the city through a narrow passage. Unlike other residences, courées remain hidden from the main street.
For almost four centuries, courées provided housing to the most disadvantaged classes. These homes often suffered from unsanitary conditions and were overcrowded. They became symbols of insalubrity and overpopulation.
Life within Cour Provo and other courées was far from idyllic. Houses stood close. This fostered the spread of epidemics and neighborly disputes. Poor insulation, dampness, rats, and rotten floors were everyday realities.
Cour Provo’s houses typically had two levels. They were organized around two rooms without corridors. The ground floor served as a kitchen, dining room, and toilet. A steep staircase led to a single room under the roof that served as a bedroom.
While Roubaix and Tourcoing commonly used the term “courée”, Lille preferred “cour”. However, now both terms are used. Cour Provo is a reminder of Lille’s industrial past.
The first historical mention of courées dates back to 1555. A municipal ordinance stated that courées posed a danger. This was because of the close proximity of residents. It was thought that they spread contagious diseases. However, this awareness did not reduce the number of courées. The opposite occurred. The region’s population grew significantly. There was a need to house the working population near factories.
Lille’s expansion in 1858 gave hope that these miserable dwellings would disappear. But this hope was an illusion. Little consideration was given to the workers’ cause. Only after 1914 did the number of courées begin to decrease. It was not until the 1960s that the courées were renovated. The last ones were not improved until the 1970s.
Today, some courées still exist. They have been rehabilitated. They now benefit from all modern comforts. Individuals own them. They live there or rent them to tourists. Interestingly, courées attract a different population now. Their “proximity”, once a disadvantage, now appeals to artists and students.
Cour Provo stands as a testament. It embodies resilience and adaptation. It whispers stories of hardship and community. It offers a glimpse into Lille’s vibrant history.