In the heart of Roubaix, nestled within the Épeule district, lies the Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix, a captivating site that has stood the test of time and witnessed the ebb and flow of history. This former convent, dedicated to the contemplative life of the Poor Clares, is a testament to the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of the region. With its neo-Gothic architecture and storied past, the Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix offers an intriguing glimpse into the past and a vibrant vision for the future.
The story of the Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix begins in 1857, when Henri Desclée, a pioneering industrialist in the gas lighting industry, narrowly escaped a disaster at his factory. In gratitude for his salvation, Desclée vowed to establish a community of contemplative nuns in Roubaix. His vision came to fruition between 1874 and 1876, thanks to the financial support of his daughter and other shareholders, and the architectural prowess of Baron Jean-Baptiste Bethune, who also designed the plans for the nearby Saint-Joseph Church.
The convent was initially home to nine Poor Clares from Tournai, six of whom were cloistered nuns and three extern sisters. They arrived in June 1876, and their new home was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The attached Sainte-Claire girls' school, built at the behest of the mayor to serve the Épeule district, opened its doors in October 1877 with 200 students under the care of the extern sisters.
The Poor Clares faced their first major challenge in 1880 when they were threatened with expulsion. However, local protests prevented the authorities from carrying out this measure. Their respite was short-lived, as the anti-clerical laws of Waldeck-Rousseau in 1903 led to their expulsion from France. The nuns sought refuge in Renaix, Belgium, while two extern sisters secularized to continue the school’s patronage and catechism at the request of the parish priest.
Despite a legal battle by the Desclée family to retain ownership of the convent, the state confiscated the property and sold it in 1906 to Jules Masurel, a local industrialist. The Sainte-Claire school reopened, and the convent was transformed into a technical school. The Poor Clares were eventually allowed to return in 1923, and the community flourished, even establishing a foundation in Tonkin in 1935. By the post-war period, the convent housed 87 sisters, marking its peak.
In 1996, the convent welcomed the Poor Clares from Cambrai, whose convent had closed. However, the lack of new vocations led to the closure of the Roubaix convent in May 2008, and the remaining sisters joined the community in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy. The city of Roubaix purchased the convent in 2009, and in 2016, Mayor Guillaume Delbar announced plans to transform the site into a hub for zero waste and circular economy initiatives. This project, encompassing the former Sainte-Claire school and part of the monastery, includes a chapel dedicated to conferences and workshops.
In January 2019, the city launched a call for projects to find an association capable of bringing the site to life and programming activities around ecological transition. By October 2019, the local architectural collective Zerm, in partnership with the association Yes We Camp, won the project. Named Saisons Zéro, this initiative is described as a laboratory of applied frugality and an alternative intervention on heritage, testing practical, economical, and simple techniques for addressing essential needs in housing, work, celebration, and cohabitation.
The Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix is an architectural gem, built in the neo-Gothic style with red brick. Its layout forms a rectangle, with the chapel, topped by a small bell tower, marking one side. At the center of the cloister stands a statue of Saint Francis, a serene figure amidst the tranquil surroundings. The adjacent Sainte-Claire school to the south adds to the complex's historical and educational significance.
Today, the Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix is more than just a relic of the past; it is a beacon of sustainable innovation and community engagement. The Saisons Zéro project invites visitors to explore new ways of living and coexisting, grounded in ecological principles and a respect for heritage. As you wander through the hallowed halls and peaceful cloisters, you can almost hear the whispers of the past mingling with the hopeful aspirations of the future.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply curious about sustainable living, the Couvent des Clarisses de Roubaix offers a unique and enriching experience. Come and discover this remarkable site, where the echoes of history meet the promise of tomorrow.
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