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Origin and history

The Bains-Douches du Pont de la Barrière were built between 1907 and 1910 in Tulle, under the leadership of the municipality. Their aim was to improve the body hygiene of workers and disadvantaged populations. The architecture, signed by Auberty, reflects the principles of Art Nouveau, with freedom of form and minimalist decorative care, focusing on functionality. The building is divided into two distinct parts: a two-level pavilion inspired by the seaside architecture in the east, and a one-level structure with a cement blanket armed to the west, housing the vestibule and showers.

The design of the Bains-Douches emphasizes an economical approach, with ornaments reduced to the strict necessary, mainly to highlight architectural forms. The geometric windows, combining circles and arches, bring elegance and dynamism while remaining practical. The building, now fully protected since 2013, illustrates the municipal commitment of the time to public hygiene and the accessibility of health infrastructure.

Located at 4 Place Albert Faucher, this monument is a testament to the social and architectural innovation of the early twentieth century. Its architecture, both utilitarian and aesthetic, embodies the progressive values of the period, while meeting the concrete needs of a population undergoing industrial and urban change. Communal property strengthens its anchor in local history and its role in Tulle's collective memory.

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