Firminy

About

Firminy was first mentioned in a 971 charter by the King of Burgundy, and still has 12th and 16th century churches attesting to its long history. But there are plenty of Medieval churches in France. What's really unique here is Firminy-Vert, one of Corbusier's visionary "Ville Radieuse" (radiant cities). Meant to be a cost-effective utopia for all to live in, the complex at Firminy-Vert is one of the greatest post-war achievements of its kind in Europe. The concrete complex features an athletics stadium, a large housing block, a multi-functional cultural house, and the posthumously-built Saint-Pierre Church. Construction for the church did start until 6 years after Le Corbusier’s death, and due to political objections it was left half-finished for nearly 30 years, only completed in 2006. Stop for a sample of Corbusier's vision for ideal living, and the concrete architecture for which he's both highly praised and vehemently condemned.