In the aftermath of the war, Valenciennes town center was totally devastated. The reconstruction project was to last 15 years. In April 1941, town-planning architect Albert Laprade was commissioned to draw up a reconstruction plan, making Valenciennes a model town. The plan was highly controversial, as it completely changed the face of the city center, with wide streets and modern architecture.
On September 26, 1959, General de Gaulle inaugurated the new town hall, designed by architect Jean Vergnaud, symbolically marking the end of Valenciennes’ reconstruction and its rebirth.
