Le quai des Tanneries

This canal bank was used for cleaning hides as early as the 11th century. The working of wool, hemp, skins, dyeing, spinning and weaving were important activities in the Middle Ages and in modern times.

The location of the tanneries is explained by the need for an important water flow, provided by the bypass canal of the abbey mills. At the same time, a position outside the heart of the city was important in view of the odor nuisance and health risks of the activity. The last tannery ceased its activities in 1889.