Construction of old fish mill 1896 (≈ 1896)
Building destroyed during Liberation.
13 avril 1950
Deposit of reconstruction project
Deposit of reconstruction project 13 avril 1950 (≈ 1950)
Roman Karasinski's plan validated.
15 janvier 1951
Building permits issued
Building permits issued 15 janvier 1951 (≈ 1951)
Official start of work.
12 avril 1954
Receipt of work
Receipt of work 12 avril 1954 (≈ 1954)
Opening of the new hall.
20 septembre 2010
Classification of historical monuments
Classification of historical monuments 20 septembre 2010 (≈ 2010)
Protection of facades and roofs.
2016
Start of renovation work
Start of renovation work 2016 (≈ 2016)
Modernisation of the square and building.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs (Box AI 193): inscription by decree of 20 September 2010
Key figures
Louis Arretche - Chief Architect
Responsible for the reconstruction of Coutances.
Roman Karasinski - Collaborating architect
Manufacturer of the ovoid hall.
Origin and history
The Coutances Fish Hall is a market fish shop built during the period of Reconstruction, after the destruction of the former 1896 Hall by incendiary bombs during the Liberation. This project is part of the re-integration of the central quarter, marked by the ravages of the Second World War. The building, of ovoid shape, is covered with a fine concrete veil, an architectural innovation for the time, reflecting the modern techniques and functional needs of a covered market.
The design of the new hall is attributed to Roman Karasinski, a collaborator of Louis Arretch, the chief architect of the reconstruction of Coutances. The construction permit was issued in January 1951, and the work, entrusted to several local enterprises (masonry, painting, plumbing, lockmaking), was completed in April 1954. The hall is labeled "Twentieth Century Heritage" and listed as historical monuments in 2010, recognizing its architectural and historical value.
A symbol of the post-war revival of Coutances, the Fish Hall illustrates the adaptation of urban spaces to post-conflict needs. Its bold structure, combining aesthetics and utility, makes it a representative example of post-war constructions in Normandy. Renovation works were started in 2016 to preserve this heritage, while renovating the surrounding square.
Located Place de la Poissonnerie, the hall remains a central place for local life, testifying both to the tragic history of the city and its resilience. Owned by the municipality, it now embodies a unique architectural heritage, combining collective memory and modernity.
