“Hark”. That’s what the La Sirène Renault Billancourt Installation once did. It alerted factory workers and the surrounding community. This installation stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of French industrial might. It is a monument to the struggles and triumphs of the working class.
The La Sirène Renault Billancourt Installation is more than just a siren. It’s a symbol of the Renault factory. The Renault factory was located in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris. Louis Renault started building cars there in 1898. His business grew. By 1914, he was mass-producing vehicles on assembly lines.
For over 70 years, the siren ruled daily life for the Renault workers. It sat atop building 6 on the Île Seguin. The siren marked the start and end of shifts. It also signaled important events. In 1936, it heralded the strikes of the Popular Front. In May 1968, it echoed during social movements. During the war in 1942, it warned of bombings. This allowed for the factory’s evacuation.
The siren even tolled in memory of Renault’s leaders. It honored Pierre Lefaucheux in 1955. It also honored Georges Besse in 1986. Its final cry came on March 31, 1992. This marked the closure of the Renault factory. The last Renault Super Cinq rolled off the assembly line.
Thierry Farges, a collector, rescued the siren from being scrapped. He and Michel Juishomme restored it. The city of Boulogne-Billancourt bought the siren. It was purchased at auction in 2009 for €12,000.
On January 23, 2020, the La Sirène Renault Billancourt Installation found a new home. It was placed on Place Jules Guesde. This is near the old Renault factory entrance. The installation stands 6.10 meters tall. It weighs 300 kg. It has eight megaphone cones. Its base tells the story of the location. It also features the Renault 4 CV. This car symbolizes the factory from 1947 to 1961.
Though it’s in perfect condition, the siren is now silent. It no longer blares with its 1,500-watt turbine. Today, the La Sirène Renault Billancourt Installation stands as a memorial. It represents Renault’s industrial legacy in France. It serves as a reminder. The siren reminds us of the workers and their struggles. It also reminds us of the factory’s contributions. The La Sirène Renault Billancourt Installation ensures the past is never forgotten.