Industrial River, Post-Industrial Future

The Garonne powered southwest France's industrialization. Toulouse's chemical plants, Bordeaux's refineries, countless mills and factories drew life from the river. These industries attracted workers from across Europe and beyond, creating working-class communities with distinct identities.

Today, deindustrialization challenges these communities. In Bassens, north of Bordeaux, former oil refinery workers retrain for renewable energy jobs. The transition isn't easy. "My father came from Portugal to work the refineries," says Manuel Silva. "That work is gone. But the river remains. Now we must find new ways to live with it—cleaner ways."

Environmental restoration projects employ former industrial workers in river cleanup. The knowledge of people who witnessed pollution firsthand proves invaluable. They know where toxins accumulated, which species disappeared, what the river was like before industry. Their memories guide restoration efforts.