Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Place du Marché-au-Poisson in Douai, located on the edge of the Scarpe, once housed a wooden hall dedicated to the decreasing auction of sea fish. This system allowed buyers to negotiate lower prices. Today, a fish shop continues this commercial tradition on the square, which concentrates an exceptional architectural heritage.

Fourteen houses bordering the square (numbers 9, 10, 16, 21-27, 24, 30, 31, 36, 39, 42, 47, 51, 72) are classified as historical monuments. Their narrow facades reflect a tax trick of the time: a tax proportional to the width of the facade prompted the owners to build tight houses. These buildings, rebuilt after the sieges of 1710 and 1712 during the Spanish Succession War, align local materials such as sandstone, brick and tiles.

The back of some houses directly overlooks the Scarpe, with doors allowing river access. This scheme illustrates the historical importance of inland waterways for trade and logistics in Douai. The square itself, as well as the floor of the houses, were inscribed by decree of 20 September 1945, highlighting their heritage value.

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