Discovering the old village

Grande-Synthe has a very long history, of which unfortunately no visible trace remains. The former farming village was completely destroyed by German soldiers during World War II, over the night of 15th to 16th of September 1944.

The inhabitants courageously rebuilt their lives on these ruins. Then the new town gradually expanded, attracting new residents who came to work in industry. These men and women wrote a new page in the history of Grande-Synthe.

Today, the Town Council invites you to explore this ‘old village’ through archive photos and testimonies left by its elders.

Follow Gérard and Henriette who were 8-year-old in 1944, on a before-and-after photo rally full of anecdotes and surprises!

Before you start this journey, please remember to recharge your phone battery.