Urban health and hygienism, the example of France

Abstract

Health is a good indicator of territorial quality and provi­des information on the quality of the place of life. Health in the city was early apprehended through medical topographies. They were able to highlight the health risks associated with urban building. This article therefore aims to illustrate the interactions between ancient city and health. Firstly, it will be conducted an historic presentation of some indicators of morbidity and mortality, and also of certain risk factors. Then, we will see how the awa­reness of urban health issues has influenced urban planning. Through the incorporation of hygienism, we will see how we had thought to preserve people health by transforming their place of life. This text will focus on the case of France and city of Lyons.