From 28/02/2026 to 11/11/2026
As an introduction to a visit to the Villa du Temps retrouvé, the Architecture Pavilion offers insights into the architectural, social and economic history of the Côte Fleurie region and Cabourg through its exhibitions.
At the end of the 19th century, the Côte Fleurie entered the era of seaside tourism, while Dives-sur-Mer took a unique path with the establishment of an electrometallurgy company in 1891. This industrial turning point profoundly transformed the town: new urbanisation, demographic growth and social movements punctuated the daily lives of the inhabitants and the life of the factory.
The exhibition at the Villa du Temps retrouvé, in partnership with the town of Dives-sur-Mer and the association ‘Un fleuve pour la liberté, la Dives’, traces this rich working-class past up to the beginning of the Second World War.
In 1893, Eugène Secrétan (1836–1899) founded the Société française d’électrométallurgie (SFEM) in Dives-sur-Mer. Specialising in electrometallurgy and electrolysis, the company produced, in particular, aluminium and refined copper. The plant was built near the Dives estuary, separated from the village by a canal. The plant expanded rapidly between 1891 and the 1920s, adapting to economic and technical requirements. Modernised with electric furnaces, it remained highly active despite economic crises, until its permanent closure in 1986.
Like other companies of the late 19th century, SFEM adopted a paternalistic approach to retain its workers. It provided them with accommodation linked to their employment contracts in housing estates built in the immediate vicinity of the factory, but living conditions remained precarious. The company also set up essential services such as a commissary to supply basic necessities, a dispensary and access to running water.
At the same time, the reduction in working hours encouraged leisure activities and an active social life centred around clubs, shops and cafés.
From 28 February to 11 November 2026 – free admission to the Architecture Pavilion
Exhibition curator: Roma Lambert, Director of the Villa du Temps retrouvé
This exhibition is organised in partnership with the town of Dives-sur-Mer and the association Un fleuve pour la liberté, la Dives.
Visual:
-Anonyme, Vue de l’usine de la Société d’électro-métallurgie de Dives-sur-Mer, début XXème siècle, carte postale ©Un fleuve pour la liberté, la Dives – coll. J.-C. QUETRON
-Vue générale de l’usine, années 1940, photographie, Collection Ville de Dives-sur-Mer, déposé auprès de Un Fleuve pour la liberté, la Dives
-Ouvriers, 1906, photographie, Collection Un Fleuve pour la liberté, la Dives – C. Nogent
This exhibition space was supported by the European Union through the LEADER programme
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