La crise des banlieues?

A very quick post on the topic in the title (the crisis of the suburbs?). French urban policy in recent years has been overshadowed by troubles in the banlieues, or suburbs, where there are vast areas of social housing - particularly around Paris. One of the main features of the 'crisis' has been the way it was reported in the media - in particular, rioting and car burning. It is interesting, therefore, that on our visit to Lille we came across some burnt out vehicles in an area of social housing. This photo was taken by urban adventurer Renelle Sarjeant in Tourcoing, near C. H. Dron metro station just beside the Belgian border (click on it for full size image).

From Blogger Pictures

Urban field work in Lille - the staff perspective...